Early on, PSG’s forward, Bradley Barcola, was no standout. Barcola’s early career was marked by doubts about his physicality and potential.
In Lyon’s academy, his slight frame was considered a potential weak point and contributed to his nickname: “la sauterelle” — the grasshopper. And unlike Malo Gusto and Rayan Cherki, who were in the year below but made their senior debuts earlier, Barcola didn’t advance to play above his age group during his academy years at Lyon.
When he made it onto the first team, Barcola was not performing to the best of his ability — and he sought to recharge his career with eyes on a loan move to a club in Switzerland. Although the loan never panned out, a fateful opportunity fast-tracked him to success.
The moment
During a January 2023 match against Strasbourg, Karl Toko Ekambi continued to fall out of favour with fans, as his team struggled on the pitch. He was substituted out of the game, which caused him to storm through the tunnel and kick a garbage bin.
This ended his career with Lyon, while giving Barcola the shot he desperately needed.
Six months later, Barcola was playing for PSG.
The evolution
Back in 2022, Barcola’s market value was just €500K — his deal with PSG was worth up to €50 million.
Since then, Barcola has evolved significantly, shifting from a tricky winger to a more direct and clinical attacker, highlighting his ability to adapt and meet the demands of modern football at the highest level.
Seize your moment with Eyeball
The blossoming of Bradley Barcola into a formidable talent just goes to show that it’s impossible to predict greatness. And that sometimes you need to take hold of the chances handed to you.
Eyeball’s platform helps clubs of all sizes find opportunities with its extensive youth talent database. Plus, our data-driven tools help you narrow your search and target select skills and attributes that fit your club’s needs.
While playing for Lyon, Bradley Barcola was on the Eyeball platform waiting for an opportunity to prove himself. While predicting greatness is near impossible, Eyeball’s tools make it a little more attainable.
Get Eyeball today. Book a sales call:https://www.eyeball.club/scouting-landing/
