Ronaldinho's son Joao Mendes follows in his father's footsteps and signs for Barcelona
FC Barcelona have signed youngster Joao Mendes (18), the son of their former Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho (42), the Catalan club confirmed on Thursday.
Mendes is following in the footsteps of his famous father Ronaldinho, who played in Barcelona from 2003 to 2008 and was twice named world player during that time.
Mendes will initially join the club's U19s set-up, having completed a trial session with the youth team of the Spanish league leaders.
Most recently, Mendes was without a club for almost half a year after terminating his contract with Brazilian club Cruzeiro.
According to an ESPN report, Mendes's contract will run until the summer of 2024.
Ronaldinho, a 2002 world champion with Brazil, won the Champions League once and the league twice during his time in Barcelona.