Bradley Barcola Reveals His Jersey Number Was Inspired by a FIFA Video Game Character

PSG forward Bradley Barcola chose his distinctive number 29 jersey after identifying with Alex Hunter, a fictional character from EA Sports' FIFA 17 video game. The French attacker made a childhood commitment to wear this number when entering professional football, a decision he has honored since his time at Lyon and now at Paris Saint-Germain.

The FIFA Connection

Barcola's attachment to number 29 stems from his passion for FIFA gaming during his youth. While playing FIFA 17's "The Journey" story mode—a narrative campaign featuring Hunter as the protagonist—the young player became deeply invested in the character's journey. Hunter wore number 29 throughout the game, and this detail left a lasting impression on Barcola.

In reflecting on the inspiration, Barcola explained his reasoning: playing the story mode with Alex Hunter made the number symbolically important to him. The experience of following a fictional character's rise through professional football resonated with his own aspirations at the time. Rather than treating it as a passing interest, Barcola internalized the connection and committed to carrying it forward into his real football career.

A Personal Promise Kept

The striker made a deliberate vow to himself: when he became a professional footballer, number 29 would be his choice. That promise has remained constant across his career moves. From his development at Lyon to his high-profile transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcola has maintained this commitment, refusing to abandon the number despite its unconventional nature in professional sport.

This approach mirrors similar decisions made by other elite footballers. Antoine Griezmann, for instance, selected his jersey number as a tribute to his idol David Beckham, demonstrating how personal values and inspirations shape players' identities on the pitch. For Barcola, number 29 represents more than statistics—it embodies the connection between his gaming passion and his professional ambitions.

At the international level, Barcola carries number 12 for the French national team, honoring Thierry Henry's legacy. However, his loyalty to number 29 at club level remains unwavering, a testament to the significance he places on the bond forged through a video game narrative years before his professional breakthrough.