Ronaldinho’s son, 17, joining Barcelona after successfully passing his Nou Camp trial
Ronaldinho’s 17-year-old son is set to join Barcelona after successfully passing a trial at the Nou Camp.
Teenage centre forward Joao Mendes spent 10 days on trial with the Spanish giants last month in a bid to earn a contract and join the club’s famed academy. The audition was overseen by Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Mendes’ uncle and agent Roberto de Assis, with a view to entering negotiations over a permanent move to the club.
That move has now been confirmed by Barca icon Ronaldinho, who has announced his son will be joining his former club during an interview with RAC1.
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He explained: “I can confirm Barcelona will sign João, Barça has always been part of my life and my heart and it will continue with my son.”
Mendes had been without a club since February of last year after terminating his deal with Cruzeiro following five years in the Brazilian side’s youth system.
The young striker will now follow in the footsteps of his famous father, who enjoyed a successful five-year spell in Spain with Barcelona between 2003 and 2008.
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(Image: cruzeiro_mendesjoao_/Instagram)
During that time, he made 207 appearances for the club, scoring 94 goals and providing a further 70 assists for his team-mates. He also won the Ballon d’Or during his time in Spain.
By the time Ronaldinho left Barcelona to join AC Milan in 2008, he had won the Champions League, two league titles and two Spanish Super Cups.
15 years on, he will be hoping his son can replicate the impact he had on the club, which saw him become one of the world’s best and most beloved footballers.
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(Image: Ronaldinho/Instagram)
After leaving the Nou Camp, the World Cup winner went on to have spells with Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro in his native Brazil before a brief stint at Mexican club Queretaro.
He announced his decision to retire from professional football at the age of 37 in 2018, three years after leaving his last club Fluminense.
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