Joao Mendes, the 19-year-old son of Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, has become a professional football player after signing a two-year contract wit the Championship side Burnley as announced on Skysports.
The young winger’s transfer was hurried for him to join the new club after his contract with Barcelona elapses earlier this summer without any renewal offer from the Catalonian outfit.
A New Chapter at Burnley
Joao Mendes who signed for Barcelona’s youth team in March 2023 was expected to emulate his father all the way to the highest level.
The young footballer was limited to playing time at Barcelona, which has led him to seek new opportunities with the English side.
He was spotted recently with his agent, celebrating the beginning of his new chapter in English football, wearing a Burnley jersey.
Ronaldinho’s Legacy and Mendes’ Path
Ronaldinho, who had a successful tenure of five years at Barcelona, lifted many trophies such as Spanish league titles twice and UEFA champions league once.
Ronaldinho made a remark about the Brazil national team recently as reported by Sportsbuddy, which sparked controversy among fans ahead of the Copa America tournament.
The Brazilian icon also won the Ballon d’Or in 2005. Regrettably, Mendes has not yet taken the roles that would pave way for his breakthrough performance even though he has the privilege of having the legendary footballer as his father.
Mendes had less playing time when he joined Barcelona from Cruzeiro in the 2022, though he played his first match in a friendly match against Manchester United.
Having left Ferencvaros recently, Mendes taking up a new career in Burnley means his father Ronaldinho will be changing his Barcelona jersey for that of the Clarets as he assists his son set the roots in the demanding English football system.
