Brazilian club Cruzeiro, two-time Copa Libertadores winners, officially signed João Mendes, the 14-year-old son of former Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho, to a youth training contract that will keep him at the club until he is at least 19.
The agreement was secured after Mendes impressed in the club’s youth system, having already played for the team for a year. Cruzeiro’s director of grassroots football, Amarildo Ribeiro, praised the promising player’s attributes, describing him as a tall attacker with high technical quality, speed, and excellent finishing ability, capable of playing as a box player or second striker. Ribeiro expressed confidence that Mendes would soon integrate with the professional squad.
Notably, Mendes earned his place solely on merit. During his initial trial with Cruzeiro, he kept his father’s identity a secret to ensure his talent, and not Ronaldinho’s fame, secured his spot.
Expressing his strong affinity for the club that “opened the door” for him, Mendes stated his long-term goal is to sign a professional contract, play for the first team, and score a goal in a packed stadium to dedicate to the fans.
