In the world of football, few names loom as large as Ronaldinho. The Brazilian icon dazzled fans with his unparalleled flair, mesmerizing skills, and infectious smile. Now, his son João Mendes is aiming to make his own mark on the beautiful game, but not by following in his father’s exact footsteps. The 18-year-old forward recently made a bold move, leaving the famed La Masia academy at Barcelona to join English Championship side Burnley FC.
Embracing a New Challenge
For João Mendes, the decision to swap the sunny shores of Barcelona for the rugged landscape of Lancashire was about more than just football. It was a chance to forge his own path, away from the constant comparisons to his legendary father.
“I want to be João, regardless of anything,” he told ESPN Brasil in an exclusive 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 [Barça] and what’s close, I think it was a good start and a good step for me.”
The young forward acknowledged the weight of expectation that comes with being Ronaldinho’s son, but he remains determined to carve out his own identity on the pitch.
Adapting to Life in Burnley
Trading the bustling streets of Barcelona for the quaint charm of Burnley has been an adjustment for João Mendes, especially given the stark contrast in climate. However, he’s embracing the challenge with a positive attitude.
“It’s difficult at first, there’s no denying that. Even more so now in winter and here, as it’s in the north, it’s a bit worse,” João admitted. “If you put on a glove, two socks, we can manage.”
Despite the colder temperatures, João has been warmed by the passionate support of the Burnley faithful. He’s quickly learned that football is more than just a game in this part of the world – it’s a way of life.
“Even though it’s a small town, people are very passionate and connected to football. You can see it at matches here, because [the fans] always fill the stadium. I think that’s very nice here, the connection they have with the club is very big.”
Stepping Out of the Shadow
As the son of a football icon, João Mendes has grown accustomed to the constant comparisons and questions about his father. While he takes immense pride in his family legacy, he’s also keen to make a name for himself on his own terms.
“My father and mother never really wanted me to pursue it, because they already knew what was going to happen. But when passion speaks louder, you can’t help it,” João revealed.
Rather than shying away from his father’s achievements, João embraces them as a source of motivation and pride. However, he’s determined to blaze his own trail in the beautiful game.
“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”.
A Promising Future Ahead
While João Mendes has yet to make his senior debut for Burnley, the club has high hopes for the talented young forward. With his combination of technical ability, hard work, and humble attitude, he has all the tools to succeed in the physically demanding world of English football.
As he continues to develop under the guidance of Burnley’s coaching staff, João Mendes will undoubtedly face plenty of challenges and obstacles along the way. However, with his determination to forge his own path and the unwavering support of his family, teammates, and fans, there’s no telling how far this promising talent can go.
One thing is for certain: João Mendes is not content to simply be known as Ronaldinho’s son. He’s ready to write his own chapter in football history, one step at a time. And with each passing day, he’s proving that sometimes the best way to honor a legacy is to create one of your own.
