Joao Mendes is just 13-years-old. However the youngster appears to have been blessed with his father’s football skills. According to Globo, Joao Mendes has recently attended a try-out at Brazilian club Cruzeiro.
Joao Mendes “charmed the scouts”, claim Globo, who promote the possibility of Ronaldinho junior joining the club. Indeed, Joao Mendes played a match for Cruzeiro this week against Santos.
The most eye-catching part of the story is that Joao Mendes has hidden his identity from Cruzeiro’s scouts. The teenager reportedly had his trial with Cruzeiro without anyone knowing he was Ronaldinho’s son.
Of course, Globoesporte have now blown the kid’s cover. João lives with his mother Janaina Natielle Mendes, who is a former dancer and she calls the shots when it comes to the youngster’s future.
Prior to training with Cruzeiro, Joao Mendes has also trained at PSG’s base in Brasilia.
As you know, his father is regarded as one of the best footballers ever, boasting a World Cup, Champions League and Ballon d’Or trophy.
Cruzeiro, who have a senior side who play in top-flight football, were impressed with the youngster.
So much so that they’re planning to keep Ronaldinho’s son on their books until he turns 14 and can sign a proper contract.
The young Brazilian has been making a name for himself on the youth football scene.
Prior to impressing Cruzeiro, he trialled at Paris Saint-Germain where history could have repeated itself as the Ligue 1 giants are among the top clubs his father played for.
