Bradley Barcola, 22-year-old winger for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, spoke to Le Parisienin a lengthy interview . He talked about his new-found fame, which has become even more perceptible since his arrival in the French national team. He also talked about the importance of his family in keeping his feet on the ground. He admits that he wants to remain the same, with no frills.
Barcola “What has changed is the way people look at things”.
“How has your life changed since you signed on in Paris?
In my everyday life, I’m the same as I was in Lyon. I haven’t changed anything about who I am. What has changed is the way people look at me.
When I leave the house, I’m a bit more disturbed. I go to the supermarket and, in the aisle, people will recognize me and talk about the match. But I’m just as relaxed about it.
Barcola “ When people say you’re the strongest, it can play on your ego and that doesn’t interest me”.
Have you felt a surge in popularity since the Euro with the French team?
Yes! It was after the Euro that I really realized that I was being watched more. With Paris, there was already a change, but after the European Championship, I was on vacation, and I saw that even abroad people were talking to me, coming to take photos with me. But I don’t mind.
Do you like the buzz around you?
Frankly, I don’t care. Whether people say good or bad things about me, I try to do the same things as before. I train every day, not to listen to people saying “you’re the best” or “you’re the worst”. When people say you’re the strongest, it can affect your ego, and that doesn’t interest me.
Barcola “ My parents and I tell each other everything”.
How do you build a bubble so that it doesn’t affect you?
First of all, I don’t have many friends. I have very few. So, when they tell me “you’re messing up”, it’s because they’re right. And when they tell me I’ve played well, it’s because I have. I don’t listen to what’s said outside. To tell you the truth, they’re the ones who send me the things you read in the press. Sometimes we laugh about it, but that’s as far as it goes.
I’ve heard that you talk easily to your loved ones when something’s bothering you…
My parents and I talk about everything. As soon as something goes wrong, on or off the pitch, we talk about it. I’ve got my older brother, too. We call each other, and I try to go to Lyon to see the family. At times like that, we sit down and talk. When things aren’t going so well, I need to see them and get their advice.
Barcola “ When I go out in the street, he’s going to tell me not to wear this or that outfit”.
Can you talk to them about everything that’s happened to you over the past year?
Not so much. My father doesn’t even talk to me about it anymore. When I go out in the street, he’ll tell me not to wear this or that outfit. Where he tires me is with cars (he laughs). He talks to me a lot about appearance and clothes. He’s all about sobriety. He tells me to be careful. But he’s right, I try to listen to him.
We all know that being recognized by the media, especially in the world of soccer, can bring its share of inconveniences. You mustn’t change, take yourself for someone else, and even less start living for image rather than for what you can contribute on the pitch.
The family is important for players, it’s the link between before and after, especially when the phenomenon of starification occurs. You have to keep your feet on the ground to stay focused on your work. The road ahead is long, and only consistency at the highest level will entitle you to talk about a great career.
To say that life hasn’t changed would be a tall order for Barcola, who has gone from a youngster at Lyon to a regular at PSG and a member of the French national team in less than two years. But if outside perceptions have changed, Barcola seems to be a boy who continues to want a normal life.
Obviously, he has to adapt, as everything has changed for him, but without being overzealous, he remains this approachable, approachable player, despite his ever-changing status. He’s a healthy boy who has always advocated the importance of his family as a place to get together and talk. He’s got a great future ahead of him, not least because you can tell he’s not going to get lost along the way.
