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Ronaldinho Announces 17-Year-Old Son João Mendes Has Signed Barcelona Contract

Rob Goldberg@@TheRobGoldbergX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVFebruary 7, 2023

Former Brazilian player Ronaldinho takes part in a friendly tribute "match for peace" in memory of late Argentininan player Diego Maradona, on November 14, 2022 at the Olympic stadium in Rome. - The match is organised by "WePlayForPeace", a foundation set up by Pope Francis. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP) (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images)
ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images

Barcelona are set to sign 17-year-old forward João Mendes, the son of club legend Ronaldinho:

B/R Football @brfootball

Ronaldinho announces his 17-year-old son João Mendes will sign for Barcelona, via <a href="https://twitter.com/rac1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rac1</a> 🔵🔴 <a href="https://t.co/IXxxSo14ZT">pic.twitter.com/IXxxSo14ZT</a>

Mendes had played for Cruzeiro in Brazil before terminating his contract. He underwent a trial with Barcelona's U19 team in January, per Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens of ESPN.

The left-footed player has mostly been used as a center forward in his career, although he has also played as an attacking midfielder, per Transfermarkt.

Mendes will try to follow in the footsteps of his father, who spent five years with Barcelona from 2003 to 2008.

Ronaldinho led the club to two La Liga titles and one Champions League title during that time, winning the 2005 Ballon d'Or. The Brazilian scored 70 goals with 38 assists in 145 league matches for Barcelona.

He also competed for Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan during his impressive club career in Europe and helped lead Brazil to a World Cup title in 2002.

On Tuesday, Ronaldinho was given Barcelona's Legend Trophy by president John Laporta:

FC Barcelona @FCBarcelona

🤩 President <a href="https://twitter.com/JoanLaportaFCB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoanLaportaFCB</a> presents <a href="https://twitter.com/10Ronaldinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@10Ronaldinho</a> with the LEGEND award at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GalaMD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GalaMD</a> 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/sYgp0mK2Jr">pic.twitter.com/sYgp0mK2Jr</a>

The 42-year-old has remained involved with the club as an ambassador since 2017.