Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes shines on his Barca youth debut against Manchester United

Joao Mendes, son of the Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, has made his debut with the Barcelona youth system.

The 17-year-old played as a striker when Barca faced Manchester United, a mirror of two Champions League finals and Thursday’s Europa League game, which ended 2-2.

It took place at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, an impressive academy and training ground for the Catalan team, in which the locals prevailed in an even match with two goals in the final minutes.

Mendes joined La Masia’s famed academy (which has produced the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta) earlier this month after convincing the club he was ready following disappointing displays in previous tests.

Club president Joan Laporta has asked for patience with the youngster, and he seems to have repaid that confidence as he is believed to possess some of the dazzling tricks his Ballon d’Or-winning father had up his sleeve.

Ronaldinho’s son, Joao Mende, made his debut in Barcelona’s academy against Manchester United

The 17-year-old was on the books at Cruzeiro before moving to Europe after his contract was terminated.

Ronaldinho himself is acting as an ambassador for the Catalan giants, but has promised that with the arrival of his son at the club’s academy, his involvement with the club will only increase.

‘I’m never out of the club. Barcelona is part of life. Wherever I go, I take Barcelona’, the World Cup-winning magician told the Spanish media. brand.

“With the arrival of my son at Barça I will be more present than ever.”

Mendes had been on the books at Brazilian team Cruzeiro, before his contract with the club was terminated.

Cruzeiro is owned by another Brazilian legend: Ronaldinho’s former teammate Ronaldo, who owns a 90 percent stake in the club.

Laporta is believed to have maintained a strong relationship with Mendes’ father, as he was a crucial part of the team that brought great success to the club during the president’s first spell at the club.

Mendes initially failed to impress in his first trial with Barca, but he seems to be rewarding the club’s patience. Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/BwxR6x6n0MK/

His father enjoyed a fruitful five-year spell at Barça after winning the World Cup.

Ronaldinho had been one of Barcelona’s stars during Joan Laporta’s first spell as club president.

Moreira’s uncle, Roberto de Assis, who is also his agent, had been in direct contact with Laporta to discuss a deal for the teenager to move to the Camp Nou, according to Sports world.

Ronaldinho enjoyed a brilliant five-year spell at Barcelona between 2003 and 2008.

Having won the World Cup in 2002, he joined the club from PSG the following year and won the Ballon d’Or in 2005.

He was also named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005.