BARCELONA
Barcelona announce the signing of João Mendes, Ronaldinho’s son
The 18-year-old striker, who was without a team after leaving Cruzeiro, has joined Barça’s youth set-up.
Barcelona have announced the signing of João Mendes, son of club legend Ronaldinho, with the 18-year-old joining the Catalan giants’ youth set-up.
Barça took to social media on Thursday to confirm a deal that both Ronaldinho and club president Joan Laporta had already suggested was close to completion.
Mendes joins Barcelona after trial period
Mendes has been on trial at La Masia, Barça’s academy, in recent weeks.
The striker, who was unattached after playing in the youth ranks at Brazilian side Cruzeiro, was pictured signing his Barça contract in the presence of club director Joan Soler and academy chief José Ramón Alexanco.
Ronaldinho’s illustrious Barcelona career
Ronaldinho spent five successful years at Barça between 2003 and 2008, starring for the Blaugrana as they won two LaLiga titles and the 2005/06 Champions League.
The Brazilian scored 94 goals in 207 appearances for the club, and received the Ballon d’Or and two FIFA World Player of the Year awards in his time at the Camp Nou.