Joao Mendes, the son of Barcelona and Brazil legend Ronaldinho, has taken a significant step in his young football career by signing for EFL Championship club Burnley. This move comes after the 18-year-old decided to part ways with La Masia, Barcelona’s famed youth academy, where he had been a part of the setup for just over a year.
A Short Stint at La Masia
Mendes joined La Masia in March 2023, at the age of 17, after impressing during a trial period. The move was highly anticipated, given the immense legacy left by his father at Barcelona. Ronaldinho is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the club’s history, having dazzled fans with his extraordinary skills and creativity during his time at the Camp Nou.
Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Joao Mendes struggled to make a significant impact during his time at La Masia. Playing primarily as an attacking midfielder, Mendes found it challenging to secure a regular spot in the Juvenil A team under former manager Oscar Lopez. He made just nine appearances throughout the season and was unable to register a goal or an assist in any of his outings.
Opportunities with the First Team
While his performances for the Juvenil A team may not have lived up to expectations, Mendes did catch the eye of former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez on a few occasions. Xavi, who himself came through the Barcelona youth ranks, invited Mendes to train with the first team on several occasions. These opportunities were seen as valuable experiences for the young midfielder, allowing him to learn from some of the best players in the world and gain insight into the demands of top-level football.
A New Chapter at Burnley
With his time at La Masia coming to an end, Mendes has opted for a fresh start in England, signing with Burnley, a club known for its commitment to developing young talent. The move to Burnley presents an exciting opportunity for Mendes to carve out his own path in football, away from the shadow of his father’s illustrious career.
Burnley, currently competing in the EFL Championship, has a strong track record of nurturing young players and giving them the platform to succeed. The club’s youth development system is highly regarded, and Mendes will be looking to make the most of the resources and opportunities available to him in his new environment.
Looking Ahead
Joao Mendes’ decision to leave La Masia and join Burnley marks the beginning of a new chapter in his football journey. While the pressure of being Ronaldinho’s son may always follow him, Mendes now has the chance to step out of that shadow and make a name for himself in English football.
The young midfielder will be aiming to adapt quickly to the demands of the Championship and showcase his talents on a consistent basis. For Burnley, Mendes represents an exciting prospect with the potential to develop into a key player for the club in the coming years.
As he embarks on this new adventure, all eyes will be on Joao Mendes to see how he progresses and whether he can live up to the lofty expectations that come with being the son of a footballing icon.