
Bradley Barcola
LW
One-v-One Creator
Sep 2, 2002 (24)
Right
6'2"
161 lb
Forced off with cramp Wednesday
Barcola went down holding his left calf and was substituted in the 60th minute of Wednesday's Champions League win over Atletico Madrid, though coach Andoni Iraola played down any concern after the match, per Dave Ockop. "It was just cramps, especially with Bradley. We are kind of rushing him a little bit. We wanted him there, but at the end we decided to say give us what you have then that's the most he has. Let's see how they recover for the next one."
Analysis: Barcola's early exit was limited to cramps after he made his first start for Liverpool, with coach Andoni Iraola indicating there was no major concern and that the winger was being pushed a little after returning to action. He was able to give the team as much as he had before being withdrawn, and his recovery will now be monitored ahead of the next match to determine whether he can handle another workload, though the three-day gap between matches could make another start difficult for Barcola. Victor Munoz, Rio Ngumoha and Jeremie Frimpong could cover on the wings if he is unable to start, with Cody Gakpo (groin) also a doubt for the game.
Withdrawn with injury Wednesday
Barcola went off with an apparent calf injury during his first start for Liverpool in Wednesday's Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Barcola's setback came during his first start for Liverpool, just over a week after his move from Paris Saint-Germain and only his second appearance for the club after a substitute outing at Ipswich. coach Andoni Iraola had already indicated before the match that the winger had not accumulated many pre-season minutes and was unlikely to complete the 90, making the calf issue a concern given his limited match conditioning. The one encouraging sign is that he walked off under his own power, which leaves cramp or a minor strain as plausible outcomes.
Ready for more minutes
Barcola has been training normally since joining Liverpool and is ready to see increased minutes, according to head coach Andoni Iraola. "He is ready to play more minutes. He has been training quite normally, only thing he hasn't had pre-season (games). But he is in a really good place."
Analysis: Barcola did not play a single minute during Paris Saint-Germain's preseason after returning from the World Cup, making his 26-minute cameo against Liverpool his first action since the return. He is now expected to gradually rebuild his workload, with a start in one of the next two matches a possibility given the quick turnaround between league and Champions League fixtures. Victor Munoz could be the player to make way if Barcola enters the starting XI. The winger's ability to operate on either flank alongside Cody Gakpo gives the manager additional flexibility in the attacking setup.
Joins Liverpool
Barcola has completed a permanent move to Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain, signing a long-term contract with the club.
Analysis: Barcola arrives at Liverpool after an impressive three-year spell with PSG, where he recorded 39 goals and 35 assists across 152 appearances while winning two Champions League titles and three Ligue 1 crowns. The France international also scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup and brings pace, one-on-one ability and versatility across the front line. Barcola is expected to start on the wing for Liverpool, with Victor Munoz, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha providing additional competition in the wide attacking positions.
Out for Super Cup final
Barcola is out for Sunday's Super Cup final against Lens as he looks to be on his way out of the club, according to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport.
Analysis: Barcola has been the center of talks for a week or two now, as it looks like his time with PSG is coming to an end, further solidified by his absence from the team sheet Sunday. No deal has been confirmed, but a few clubs have been bidding, with Liverpool showing the most interest. With 12 goal contributions in league play and six in UCL play last season, the young winger will be a solid addition to any team he joins.
Back to prepare new season
Barcola is back to prepare for the new season with PSG after the World Cup, according to the club.
Analysis: Barcola scored 11 Ligue 1 goals last season and closed out the World Cup with three goals and one assist across eight appearances for France, including the goal that pulled his side level in the third place playoff loss to England. His return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations, though his long term future remains uncertain given the reported interest from Liverpool.
Scores as substitute in loss
Barcola scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 6-4 defeat against England.
Analysis: Barcola made his presence felt off the bench, replacing Desire Doue at halftime and firing a right-footed shot from inside the box into the net in the 54th minute of the World Cup bronze final. Having alternated starts with his fellow PSG teammate Doue, Barcola recorded 90 minutes in only one of his eight appearances, but he took part in all possible games, finishing with three goals and one assist over eight outings.
Minimal impact in knockout defeat
Barcola recorded one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Tuesday's 2-0 loss versus Spain.
Analysis: Barcola bounced back into the initial lineup as part of the constant rotation between him and Desire Doue, who replaced him in the 57th minute of the semi-finals game. The 23-year-old failed to meet expectations in the last three matches after scoring two goals and one assist over the initial four clashes. He's in contention with Doue for the left-wing spot ahead of Saturday's third-place match.
One shot from bench
Barcola registered one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Thursday's 2-0 victory over Morocco.
Analysis: Barcola would get some time Thursday despite his dropping to the bench, playing 13 minutes on the left flank of the attack. He would still record a shot and two chances created, a decent display despite the short appearance. He has now started in half of France's World Cup games this tournament, potentially getting the nod over Desire Doue in the semifinals.
Set fo bench role against Morocco
Barcola is expected to begin on the bench against Morocco, according to Fabrice Hakwins of RMC Sport.
Analysis: Barcola is now set to serve as a depth option for France on Thursday, as the forward is unlikely to start. The attacker comes off not his best game at the World Cup in the round of 16 after earning a goal contribution in two straight appearances, with two goals and one assist this tournament. This will likely leave Desire Doue to start on the left flank, with Barcola seeing a decent chance of appearing from the bench.
Disappointing performance Saturday
Barcola registered one shot (zero on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-0 victory against Paraguay. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 19th minute.
Analysis: Barcola was cautioned early in the game for a foul and was then replaced by Desire Doue in the 61st minute after generating a pair of scoring chances and succeeding in five of his eight dribble attempts. This outcome marked the end of a productive run for the attacker, who had previously scored or assisted in two consecutive contests. He's now likely to remain in contention with Doue for playing time on the left wing going forward.
Scores in round of 32
Barcola scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Tuesday's 3-0 victory versus Sweden.
Analysis: Barcola fired a close-range attempt into the net in the 53rd minute, doubling his side's lead during a solid overall performance. The forward continued to make an impact on the left wing after taking that spot back from Desire Doue. Having notched two goals and one assist over four World Cup appearances (two starts), Barcola now looks set to retain a major role in future rounds. Thus, he should hold plenty of attacking value as part of an impressive offensive unit that has scored at least three times in each contest.
Delivers one assist off bench
Barcola assisted once to go with one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Friday's 4-1 win over Norway.
Analysis: Barcola came off the bench in the second half to replace Ousmane Dembele and delivered the assist for Desire Doue's stoppage-time header in the final seconds of the match, delivering a precise cross from the left flank that Doue met at the back post to complete France's 4-1 win and seal their place as Group I winners with a perfect record. The PSG winger also registered one cross and two chances created across his 25 minutes, demonstrating the directness and delivery quality that give coach Didier Deschamps a reliable and creative option off the bench heading into the knockout rounds. His ability to impact matches immediately after coming on has been a consistent feature of France's group stage campaign, and his performances as a substitute give Les Bleus an important attacking weapon to deploy when the situations demands freshness and pace in behind opposition defensive lines.
One shot in victory
Barcola registered one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Monday's 3-0 win over Iraq.
Analysis: Barcola got the nod on the left side of France's front three ahead of Desire Doue, keeping his spot after finding the net against Senegal in the tournament opener, before making way for Maghnes Akliouche late on as manager Didier Deschamps rotated his squad and spread minutes around. He was part of a French attack that generated 2.38 expected goals while trying to break down a compact Iraq defensive setup. Barcola's impact on the scoresheet was limited to one goal, though he also chipped in defensively with two tackles won and an interception. France has now punched its ticket to the Round of 32 and will take on Norway on June 26 with first place in Group I up for grabs.
Goal within minutes of entering
Barcola scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Tuesday's 3-1 victory versus Senegal.
Analysis: Barcola entered in the 80th minute for Ousmane Dembele and made an immediate impact, finding the back of the net just two minutes later after finishing off Adrien Rabiot's pass to make it 2-0 and cap off France's dominant second-half push. His direct style and burst of speed instantly injected life into the left side of the attack, repeatedly getting in behind Senegal's fading back line during the closing stages. That game-changing cameo gives coach Didier Deschamps another dangerous weapon off the bench for France's remaining group matches, especially with Barcola battling Desire Doue for the starting spot on the left wing.
Scores one goal in loss
Barcola scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 2-1 loss against Paris FC.
Analysis: Barcola ended a two-month Ligue 1 goalless run in Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Paris FC, arriving at the back post in the second half to convert Fabian Ruiz's cross-goal pass with a composed right-footed finish that gave his side the lead and appeared to have settled the match. The French winger had also been denied by Kevin Trapp in the opening two minutes after Zaire-Emery found him in behind the Paris FC backline. Barcola ends the Ligue 1 season with 11 goals and one assist across 29 appearances, with his side now turning full attention to the Champions League final against Arsenal in Budapest on May 30.
Active showing in attack
Barcola recorded two crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 1-0 win against Brest.
Analysis: Barcola caused consistent problems down the left flank in Sunday's 1-0 win over Brest, using his pace and direct running to trouble the defense throughout. He nearly created the opener in the first half after driving into the area before his cross was cut out at the last moment, and was later denied from close range by Gregoire Coudert in the second half. The French winger combined well with Lucas Hernandez in transition and remained a constant threat during his time on the pitch. Barcola has scored 10 Ligue 1 goals and added one assist across 27 appearances this season.
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