Ronaldinho’s Son Joao Mendes Confidently Charts Hull City Path

Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes is determined to forge his own identity in English football, undaunted by the legendary legacy of his father. Mendes, who currently plies his trade with Hull City’s Under-21 squad, is keen to be recognized for his own talent rather than simply as the son of the Brazil and Barcelona icon.

Joao Mendes Embraces His Own Journey at Hull City

Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes has made it clear that he feels no pressure to emulate the dazzling career of his world-famous father. After a journey that saw him develop through the youth systems of Cruzeiro and Barcelona, before brief stints at Burnley and now Hull City, Mendes remains focused on building a career that reflects his own ambitions and abilities.

Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, Mendes addressed the inevitable comparisons with his father: “I don’t feel any pressure. I’ve always had it clear in my mind that I’m me and he’s him. It’s normal that you’re going to see me as his son but that doesn’t affect me or the way I play. I don’t care at all. All my family always say to me it is just noise and I don’t need to listen to any of it. I just need to be happy playing football.”

From Barcelona’s Spotlight to the Grit of the EFL

While Ronaldinho lit up Camp Nou and won major honors at Barcelona, his son’s path has been notably different. When Joao Mendes arrived at Barcelona in 2023, global attention followed. Yet rather than chase stardom on famous turf, Mendes chose a new challenge, opting for opportunities in England’s competitive lower leagues.

At Hull City, he is working his way up from the U21s, capable of playing both as a winger and an attacking midfielder. Mendes is determined to earn his place: “I’m just working hard to earn my spot. The main objective is to make it to the first team,” he said. “The fitness level wasn’t there when I joined so I’m working on that. The coaches understand and help me a lot.”

Living in the Shadow of Football Royalty

Ronaldinho’s legacy is immense—236 club goals and 12 major trophies. The expectations that come with being his son are unavoidable. But Mendes is steadfast about charting his own course: “I want to be Joao, regardless of anything,” he told ESPN in a previous interview. “I never tried to be my father, I never wanted to be my father. So to get away a bit from where he played and what’s close, I think it was a good start and a good step for me.”

He added, “My father and mother never really wanted me to pursue [football], because they already knew what was going to happen. But when passion speaks louder, you can’t help it.”

Adapting to the English Game

Transitioning from the warm climates of Brazil and Spain to the often chilly, demanding environment of English football, Mendes has faced new challenges. “It’s difficult at first, there’s no denying that. Even more so now in winter, it’s a bit worse,” he admitted, highlighting the need to adjust to the physical and mental demands of the English game. “If you put on a glove, two socks, we can manage.”

As Hull City’s senior team sits fifth in the Championship and eyes Premier League promotion, Mendes knows that his opportunity may soon arrive. His ambition is unwavering: “The main objective is to make it to the first team.”

Staying Grounded Amid Comparisons

Despite the media scrutiny and constant comparisons to Ronaldinho, Mendes remains grounded. “It’s a fine line, because there are people who cross it, there are people who don’t, but I’ve always been proud to be the son of who I am. 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. And 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.”

Joao Mendes and the Future at Hull City

Joao Mendes’s approach is mature beyond his years. He recognizes both the doors his surname can open and the burden it can create. Yet he is fully committed to forging his own destiny with Hull City, focusing on hard work, improvement, and achieving first-team football on his own merits.

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Opinion: Mendes Proves True Character

Joao Mendes’s attitude is refreshing in a football world obsessed with legacies and comparisons. Rather than shrink under the weight of his surname, he welcomes the added attention as a motivation, not a burden. While the journey to establish himself at Hull City and beyond won’t be easy, Mendes’s honesty and self-awareness mark him as a young player with both talent and the mental strength to succeed on his own terms.