Could Bradley Barcola Follow Dembélé’s Path to Winning a Ballon d’Or?

Paris, March 2026 – As Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola continues to shine on the field, speculation is mounting about his potential to secure the prestigious Ballon d’Or. Despite recently suffering a significant right ankle ligament injury, Barcola has been a key player under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique, having participated in 38 matches across all competitions this season.

Barcola’s rise to prominence

Former Olympique Lyonnais player Barcola is making waves with the French national team. His consistent performances suggest he might secure a starting position as a winger for the upcoming World Cup. In the coming months, Barcola has the opportunity to add numerous prestigious titles to his career achievements.

The ultimate individual accolade

Why not the most prestigious individual award in football? “Barcola has the talent to aim for the Ballon d’Or,” says Laurent Perrin, a journalist at a renowned French publication. “He’s a unique player—an adept dribbler, passer, and finisher. If he continues to perform effectively, he could follow a trajectory similar to that of his teammate Ousmane Dembélé.”

The World Cup’s impact on the Ballon d’Or

The upcoming World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will significantly influence the awarding of the Ballon d’Or. “We must wait, as this year, the Ballon d’Or will likely go to a World Cup champion,” noted a sports journalist. “If France wins the tournament, Kylian Mbappé will undoubtedly be the frontrunner.”

Mbappé, the captain of the French team, has only reached the Ballon d’Or podium once in his career. This occurred in 2023, following his impressive hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.