Ronaldinho’s son is on trial at La Masía and could follow in his father’s footsteps at Barcelona

His name is Joao, he’s 17 years old and trains with the youth team FC Barcelona after terminating his contract with the Cruzeiro. But in the Masía it is not just another player: He is the son of Ronaldinho.

Joao Mendes of Assis Moreira arrived ten days ago and is on trial in La Masía. If he passes, he could be added as a reinforcement.

The negotiation is carried out by his uncleRoberto de Assis, but the final decision on his purchase will be up to the coaches.

According to rumors in Spain, it’s not a remote possibility; quite the opposite. It could materialize in the next few days and, if so, the youngster born in Rio de Janeiro will try to emulate the steps of the legend who was his father at the culé club.

With a smile on his face and magic in his feet, Dinho was Messi’s footballing father and led a team that once again lifted Barça to the top of European football. Joao follows in his footsteps.

“It has always been a dream and it must also be his dream, to have a son who is a player,” the young man was honest in an interview with Radio Itatiaia​, from Brazil, on this possibility presented to him.

He is left-handed, he will turn 18 on 22 February and plays as a centre-forward, even if he has also been able to occupy other offensive roles. He stands out for his great skill, dribbling and is good at scoring.

He arrived at Cruzeiro when he was 14, hiding his identity so as not to be judged “son of” nor have any advantage in his development as a footballer. He wants to follow his path, even if now he could cross that of his father if he joins the team led by Xavi Hernández.

In Barcelona, ​​his surname is very well received. It’s not just the titles his father won and the goals (some great goals) that he scored, but his legacy is based on him bringing joy back to the Barcelona fans.

Ronaldinho, world champion with Brazil in Korea-Japan in 2002 and Golden Ball in 2005, is in constant dialogue with Joanna Laportapresident of the blaugrana club, for the situation of his son.

Although he has spent some time away from football and has had problems off the pitch – he was imprisoned for almost six months in Paraguay – he keeps himself informed and before the final in Qatar he gave him an interview with L’Equipe in which he referred to Lionel Messi.

“This is his last World Cup, I was convinced of his return and that he would do everything to win it. In my opinion he could play until he’s 50 because he has a quality that the others don’t have.” t have,” commented his friend.

He also praised Kylian Mbappe, saying he “has all the qualities” and reflecting on the French forward’s “speed, dribbling and composure before the goal”. “He’s the type of player we Brazilians love to see play”He added.