João Mendes, the son of Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, has joined English Championship side Hull City on a one-year deal. The 20-year-old forward will feature in the club’s U21 squad as he continues his pursuit of a professional breakthrough.
Mendes arrives with prior experience of English football, having spent last season with Burnley’s U21s, though he is still waiting to make his senior debut. His career path has already taken him across three countries, with a brief spell at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy ending in 2024 after he was released just 18 months into his stay.
The young winger had joined Barcelona in 2023 following an impressive trial performance against Manchester United, but the opportunity to follow directly in his father’s footsteps at the Camp Nou ultimately fell short.Ronaldinho, remembered as one of the most gifted players of his generation, made 207 appearances for Barcelona, won the Ballon d’Or in 2005, and helped Brazil secure the 2002 World Cup during a glittering career.
While Mendes faces the weight of a famous surname, he expressed optimism about his move to Hull City. “I am really happy and excited. I think it is going to be a good season,” Mendes said. “I play as a right winger or an attacking midfielder.
I am a fast, explosive and creative player. I think it is good to be able to play in different styles of football. In Brazil, it is one style, Spain is another one and England is another one so I think it compliments your game really well if you have played at different places.
”Faridah Abdulkadiri
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