Hull City Signs Joao Mendes, Son of Football Legend Ronaldinho, to U21 Squad

Joao Mendes, son of Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, has signed a one-year deal with Hull City's Under-21 squad, the club announced this week. The 20-year-old winger joins on a free transfer after leaving Burnley's Under-21s earlier in 2024. His contract includes an option for a second year, giving him a platform to develop further in English football after spells in Brazil and Spain.

Comfortable on either flank, Mendes first came through Cruzeiro in his homeland before joining Barcelona's academy. Hull marks the latest step in his journey, following five appearances for Burnley's Under-21s in 2024. Four months after his departure, he arrives in Yorkshire carrying lessons from a range of footballing cultures.

Reflecting on his career so far, Mendes said: "I think it is good to be able to play in different styles of football. In Brazil, it is one style, Spain is another one and England is another one, so I think it complements your game really well if you have played at different places."

Outlining his ambitions, he added: "I just want to help as much as I can in the U21s and in the first team. I don't mind what level, I just love playing football and if the chance comes, I will take great use of it." His words underline a determination to seize opportunities in both Hull's development side and, potentially, the senior squad.

Football heritage also frames his journey. His father, Ronaldinho, won the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the 2005 Ballon d'Or, two La Liga titles, and the Champions League with Barcelona. Mendes briefly followed in those footsteps by joining Bara in March 2023, before moving to Burnley later that year and now Hull City.

Ronaldinho offered public backing for the move with a message on Instagram: "Good luck at your new club and challenge, my son."