![Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes joins FC Barcelona academy](http://media.assettype.com/english-sentinelassam%2Fimport%2Fh-upload%2F2023%2F03%2F04%2F442628-03barca1.webp?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
MADRID: FC Barcelona made an important connection with their past when they confirmed the signing of forward Joao Mendes — the son of legendary Brazilian forward Ronaldinho.
The 18-year-old is expected to initially form a part of Barcelona’s B team, which plays in Spanish football’s third tier, the club informed on Thursday.
Mendes, who had been without a club since leaving Brazil’s Cruzeiro in February last year, impressed Barcelona coaches during a trial earlier this year, reports Xinhua.
The youngster has already made his debut with Barca’s under-19 side in a friendly against Manchester United. He is a player who can play as a central striker or in a deeper role.
He is right-footed but good with his left, and Barca hope he will be able to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Ronaldinho spent five seasons with Barcelona between 2003-2008 and played a huge part in lifting the club to dominance between 2004-2006 when Barca won back-to-back La Liga titles and the Champions League trophy. IANS
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