17- year old son of Brazil and Barcelona legend Ronaldinho, Mendes, has joined the Blaugrana following a successful trial in January.
Joao de Assis Moreira, known as Joao Mendes, has become the latest young talent to join the club’s famed La Masia academy which produced the likes of Lionel Messi, current boss Xavi, and legends Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and G, Gerard Pique.
Where his father was known as a devastating attacking midfielder or winger, Mendes is a natural striker.
But the 17-year-old is still thought to possess the same dazzling array of tricks that his Ballon d’Or-winning father had up his sleeves.
Mendes’ trial was initially not thought to be going quite to plan, with Joan Laporta calling for the club to remain patient after he failed to convince the club in training, but he would appear to have made an impact in the latter stages.
Ronaldinho is himself operating as an ambassador for the Catalan giants, but as promised that with his son’s arrival in the club’s academy, his involvement at the club will only increase.
‘Yes he is coming now,’ the World Cup-winning magician told Spanish outlet Marca.
‘I’m never out of the club. Barcelona is part of life. Wherever I go I take Barcelona with me.
Mendes had been on the books at Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro before his contract at the club was terminated.
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