Hull City have signed João Mendes, son of Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, on a one-year deal. The 20-year-old forward will play with the club’s U21 squad as he fights for a senior breakthrough.
Mendes is not new to English football. He featured for Burnley’s U21s last season but never made the step up. Before that, he had a short spell at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. He joined in 2023 after impressing during a trial against Manchester United but was released in 2024.
The young winger has already played across three countries — Brazil, Spain and England. His Barcelona dream was to follow his father’s footsteps, but unlike Ronaldinho, he left without making a senior appearance.
Ronaldinho’s shadow looms large. The Brazilian icon dazzled the world at Barcelona, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2005, a Champions League in 2006, and the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil. His son now carries that weight on English soil.
Mendes Speaks on New Chapter
Mendes sounded upbeat as he arrived at Hull City. “I am really happy and excited. I think it is going to be a good season,” he said.
The winger described himself as versatile. “I play as a right winger or an attacking midfielder. I am a fast, explosive and creative player.”
He also spoke about learning from different styles of football across countries. “In Brazil, it is one style, Spain is another one and England is another one, so I think it compliments your game really well if you have played at different places.”
His new adventure begins far from the glamour of Camp Nou, in the tough and physical Championship.
For context, the BBC reports that Hull City continue to invest in young talent as they aim for promotion to the Premier League.
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