Where is João Mendes, Ronaldinho's son?

At 45, Ronaldinho will soon become a grandfather. Indeed, his son, João Mendes de Assis Moreira, will soon become a father for the first time. He announced the news on social networks with his partner, the influencer Giovanna Buscacio (25 years old). A couple together recently, but as he clarified on Instagram “sixteen weeks and counting.” If everything seems to be going well in his private life, the 19-year-old young man, born from the relationship between Ronnie and a former dancer, Janaina Mendes; leads a football career like his illustrious father. It began in his native Brazil.

The rest after this ad

A whirlwind stint at FC Barcelona

In fact, the one who was born in Rio de Janeiro in 2005 started in the Flamengo academy. Then, he notably passed through Vasco da Gama, Boavista SC, the PSG football school based in Brasilia and even Cruzeiro. After his apprenticeship in the country, this versatile winger crossed the Atlantic to launch his career in Europe in 2023. He was also tested within the U19 team of FC Barcelona, ​​a club where his father shone through the pass. Advised by his uncle, Roberto de Assis, he was kept by the Culés, in order to play with the U19s and eventually the reserve team.

And he was eagerly awaited in Catalonia, where everyone dreamed that the 1m78 player would follow in the footsteps of Ronaldinho. This was the case of Sports Worldwhich caught fire after his arrival. “Left-handed, João Mendes de Assis Moreira is a center forward and has the advantage of having a Spanish passport. His career is unknown at almost 18 years old. (…) We don't know if he will end up playing with the Barcelona jersey (with the pros), what is clear is that his father's legacy at Barça will be very difficult to carry. Ronaldinho, titles aside, managed to bring joy back to Barcelona.

The rest after this ad

Shy first steps at Burnley

But the expectations and the pressure were undoubtedly too great. Under the legendary Blaugrana jersey, João Mendes only participated in 9 matches in all competitions with the U19s. He did not score or provide an assist. Linked to FCB until June 2024, it was not retained. Without a club, he therefore prepared and maintained himself all summer while waiting to find a new base on the Old Continent. Finally, a door opened in England. Indeed, Burnley, which plays in the Championship (English D2, 2nd in the ranking), recruited him while he was free. Where is he currently?

Under his new colors, those of the Clarets, the striker took part in 4 matches in all competitions. In detail, he played 3 matches with the club's U21s in the Premier League Cup (110 minutes played in total, 1 match played in full). He also took part in a meeting with the U23s. Time to score 1 goal. He had admitted to being “very happy” after his goal, while adding that he wanted to have more meetings. But for the moment, the player under contract until 2026 is having a very timid start, he who must prove himself while trying to remove this “son of” image. A mission that is anything but obvious.