Joao Mendes, the 19-year-old son of Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, has made headlines with his surprise move to EFL Championship side Burnley, Soccernet.football reports.
Mendes, who recently left Barcelona’s youth academy, has reportedly inked a two-year contract with the Clarets.
Mendes’ journey to Burnley comes after a stint at Barcelona, where he joined in March 2023 following four years at Cruzeiro’s academy in Brazil. Despite training with Barcelona’s first team and featuring for their under-19 side in a friendly victory over Manchester United, Mendes did not make a senior appearance for the Catalan giants.
Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, had expressed a desire to retain Mendes, stating, “We want Ronaldinho’s son to continue his career here. We will make him a contract offer.”
However, Mendes’ 15-month contract ended in June without an agreement for an extension, even as his father, Ronaldinho, committed to being actively involved in his son’s development.
This week, Mendes traveled to England, where he completed a medical on Wednesday as per Globo, and was photographed holding a Burnley shirt alongside agents Marcelo Sander and Marcelo Marchese, who were instrumental in finalizing the deal.
Burnley, under new manager Scott Parker, has already bolstered their squad this summer with the £15.4 million signing of left-winger Mike Tresor from Genk. The Clarets kicked off their Championship campaign in style with a 4-1 victory over Luton Town.
Although the club has yet to officially announce Mendes’ signing, Burnley fans have already taken to social media to celebrate the news.
Ronaldinho, now 44, remains a revered figure in football, having guided Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002 and Barcelona to Champions League success in 2006.
As of now, Ronaldinho has not publicly commented on his son Joao Mendes’ move to Burnley. Given his deep involvement in Mendes’ football development, many fans and media outlets are eagerly awaiting his reaction.
Ronaldinho, known for his legendary career and close relationship with his son, had previously expressed a strong desire to see Mendes succeed at Barcelona. His silence on the recent transfer has added to the anticipation surrounding the young player’s future in English football.