Ronaldinho’s Son Joao Mendes Leaves Barcelona, Signs for Relegated EPL Club
- Joao Mendes, the son of legendary footballer Ronaldinho Gaucho, has completed a switch to Burnley
- The teenager spent 12 months with Barcelona's academy last season but couldn't break through the first-team
- He could make his debut for his new club as soon as Saturday, August 17, when Burnley face Cardiff
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Ronaldinho's son, Joao Mendes, has embarked on a new chapter in his football career by joining Burnley in the ongoing summer transfer window.
After a brief stint with Barcelona, Mendes will now ply his trade with the Clarets for the 2024/25 season.
Source: UGC
According to Goal, Mendes initially signed a 12-month contract with the Catalan giants following successful trials, a move heavily influenced by his legendary father.
Before his time in Spain, the 19-year-old played for Flamengo, Vasco de Gama, Boavista-RJ, and Cruzeiro, where he showed glimpses of his potential, per SportBIBLE.
However, despite the opportunities presented, his tenure at Barca did not lead to any first-team appearances, and his contract with La Blaugrana expired in June 2024 without renewal.
Although he carries the weight of being Ronaldinho's son, Mendes has yet to make a significant impact on the footballing world.
However, the left-footed winger's move to Burnley presents a fresh opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in a new setting.
At Burnley, Mendes will aim to impress Scott Parker, who took over as head coach from Vincent Kompany, as the club seeks a swift return to the Premier League.
The Clarets kicked off their 2024/25 Championship campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Luton Town, setting a positive tone for the season.
Burnley’s next fixture is a home match against Cardiff on Saturday, August 17, at Turf Moor.
Mendes could potentially make his debut in this encounter, offering him a chance to begin making his mark in English football.
Ronaldinho ranked among the greatest-ever dribblers
Legit.ng in a previous publication, meticulously ranked the finest dribblers football has ever seen.
The greatest dribblers in football history represent a diverse and exceptional group of talent. While many players worldwide have mastered the art of dribbling, only the elite make it onto our list.
Among them is Ronaldinho, celebrated for his Brazilian flair and ranked as one of the greatest footballers to ever grace the game.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
