Is Bradley Barcola PSG’s New Superstar? The Unlikely Rise of Mbappé's Replacement

When Kylian Mbappé made his long-anticipated move to Real Madrid, it seemed like the end of an era for Paris Saint-Germain. With the last of their superstar signings gone, the club was left searching for a new hero to fill the void. But few could have predicted that the answer would come from 22-year-old Bradley Barcola, a player who was virtually unknown outside of France just a year ago.

Since joining PSG from Lyon in August, Barcola has stunned fans and pundits alike. With an impressive 10 goals in Ligue 1, he’s not only emerged as the competition’s top scorer but has quickly become the club’s shining star. As Mbappé’s departure opened the door for new opportunities, Barcola has stepped up to the challenge, showcasing his dazzling dribbles and newfound killer instinct in front of goal.

PSG’s head coach, Luis Enrique, has emphasized the importance of Barcola’s goal-scoring ability, a skill the young forward knew he needed to develop. Gone are the days when he was just known for his flashy flicks and tricks now, he’s making a decisive impact on the pitch. Former PSG star Javier Pastore has even gone so far as to suggest that Barcola could eventually reach Mbappé's level.

But just a year ago, this was hardly the reality anyone would have imagined. In January 2024, Barcola was on the verge of being loaned to a Swiss club due to lack of playing time at Lyon. It was only after the departure of another player that Barcola got his shot, and the rest is history. Within weeks, he became a key player for Lyon, scoring four goals in six appearances, including a memorable winner against PSG at Parc des Princes. That match marked a pivotal moment in his career, propelling him to the top of French football.

Former Lyon academy head, Vulliez, who has known Barcola since childhood, reflects on his slow yet steady rise. “He was never a generational talent, just a boy with big ambitions,” says Vulliez. “He wasn’t an overnight sensation like Mbappé. His maturation was a gradual process, and we knew that with patience, he would develop into something special.”

Indeed, Barcola's development has been marked by his intelligence on the field, a skill that was honed from a young age. He didn’t just rely on raw physicality; instead, he learned how to read the game, use space effectively, and make clever runs. This tactical acumen, combined with his technical skills and physical growth, has made him a versatile threat. Whether playing as a No. 9 or as a winger, Barcola has the ability to adapt and make an impact.

The journey from being almost loaned out to Switzerland to becoming PSG’s most electrifying player has been nothing short of remarkable. His transition to PSG was not without challenges, including the pressure of switching agents and adjusting to the spotlight of playing with some of the world’s best. Yet, Barcola’s calm and collected nature helped him navigate those hurdles. "He just wants to play football," says Vulliez, emphasizing that Barcola isn’t someone who puts unnecessary pressure on himself.

Now, with his first full season at PSG in full swing, Barcola has already exceeded expectations. While he’s yet to score in the Champions League this season, the potential for growth remains enormous. His development is far from complete, and as Vulliez points out, players often hit their peak in their mid-20s. The best may still be yet to come.

As PSG fans flock to the Parc des Princes wearing Barcola’s name on their jerseys, it’s clear that the future of the club now rests on his young shoulders. Mbappé may have left, but a new star has emerged. Bradley Barcola: PSG's Next Superstar is Already Here.