Ronaldinho’s Son Joao Mendes Set For Hull City Switch After Burnley Exit

Last Updated:September 10, 2025, 15:56 IST

Mendes is reportedly set to join Hull City's U21 setup and take the next steps in his promising journey at Bishop Burton College after spending 12 months with Burnley.

Joao Mendes. (X)

Son of the legendary Ronaldinho, Joao Mendes, looks all set to sign for another English club after parting ways with Burnley. According to a report by Hull Live, Mendes could sign a multi-year deal with EFL Championship club Hull City, involving the youngster’s link-up with the club’s academy side.

Trying to follow the great footsteps of the former Barcelona star and his 2005 Ballon d’Or-winning father, Mendes is reportedly set to join Hull City’s U21 setup and take the next steps in his promising journey at Bishop Burton College after spending 12 months with Burnley.

The ambitious 20-year-old recently said he wishes to establish himself among football’s leading superstars and not be remembered only as Ronaldinho’s son.

“I want to be Joao, regardless of anything. I never tried to be my father; I never wanted to be my father. So to get away a bit from where he played [Barca] and what’s close, I think it was a good start and a good step for me," Mendes said in an interview with ESPN Brazil.

The youngster clarified while he takes pride in his father’s incredible achievements, he wants to make his own name in the game.

“I think people on the outside want you to be something you’re never going to be, whether you like it or not, right? It’s good to be here. My father was one of the best, if not the best, to ever play the game. So, being his son, being able to talk about him, is a source of pride. I try to do my own thing, I try not to put my father in the middle of things, I try to play my football my way, without pressure."

During the same interview, the left-footed winger from Brazil admitted that it has been a challenge for him to get used to the cooler climes of the United Kingdom, but he is continuing to adapt.

“It’s difficult at first, there’s no denying that. Even more so now in winter and here, as it’s in the north, it’s a bit worse. If you put on a glove, two socks, we can manage," Mendes said about life at Burnley.

“Even though it’s a small town, people are very passionate and connected to football. You can see it at matches here, because the fans always fill the stadium. I think that’s very nice here, the connection they have with the club is very big."

After starting his career at Cruzeiro’s academy, Mendes joined Barcelona’s La Masia and stayed there until last summer, when the young talent shifted to Turf Moor, Burnley’s home ground. He went on to play five Premier League Cup matches for the club’s youth team, securing one goal and coming up with two assists.

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News sports Ronaldinho’s Son Joao Mendes Set For Hull City Switch After Burnley Exit

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