FC Barcelona officially announced the arrival of 18-year-old João Mendes on Thursday. The son of Brazilian legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho is expected to start playing for the club’s B team, which competes in Spain’s third division.
Barcelona’s coaching staff were very impressed with the youngster’s performances earlier this year and were keen to sign him, especially considering that he had been without a club since February 2022 after leaving Cruzeiro.
The center-forward has already made his first appearance for Barça, playing for the U19 team in a friendly against Manchester United.
His coordinated moves and his ability to play between the lines were praised, and he doesn’t usually play as a finisher. The youngster is predominantly right-footed, but is also comfortable with his left foot, just like his skilled father.
The Catalans will be hoping that the youngster follows in his father’s footsteps, but only time will tell.
Ronaldinho is considered one of the best players in the history of world soccer. The Brazilian scored 211 goals in 504 games during his 17-year career. The veteran was part of some of the biggest clubs in the world, including AC Milan and even Barcelona, for whom he made 207 appearances, scoring 94 goals.