Son of PSG legend signs with Barcelona

Ronaldinho played at PSG from 2001 through 2003, appeared in 77 games scoring 25 goals and assisting 17, and then moved to Spain after getting signed by Barcelona. Now, the son of the Paris Saint-Germain legend will follow in his steps having arrived at Barcelona's academy.

Joao Mendes de Assis Moreira, 18 years old, signed a deal with Spanish giants Barcelona on Thursday. He will remain with the U19 squad for the time being while he gets watched over by his father and Barcelona's club ambassador Ronaldinho.

A month ago, Ronaldinho revealed the family plans about landing his son Joao Mendes in Barcelona after playing at Cruzeiro in his native Brazil. The move to the Catalan team became official and was announced on Thursday morning.

Ronaldinho won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil while still playing at PSG and ahead of his move to Barcelona, where he spent half a decade playing 207 games and scoring 94 goals (with 70 assists) between 2003 and 2008.

Joao Mendes trained at PSG academy but ultimately decided to follow Ronaldinho to Barcelona

The Brazilian legend also played for AC Milan in his final years in Europe, while also gracing the pitches of Atletico Mineiro, Flamengo, and Fluminense at different points through his expansive career.

Ronaldinho retired having won two La Liga titles and the Champions League in 2006 with Barcelona, where he played at when he was awarded the 2005 Golden Ball award.

Joao Mendes, aka Ronaldinho Jr., is a left-footed striker and he had already been training at Barcelona from January on after his deal with Cruzeiro ran out last winter. The duration of his contract with the Catalan club has not been made official, though it is believed to last until June 2024.

"With his arrival, I will be more present than ever," said Ronaldinho on local radio RAC1 in early February. Ronaldinho is in possession of an ambassador role with Barcelona, representing the club at multiple events and gatherings these days.

Joao Mendes is managed by his uncle Roberto de Assis Moreira, who already looked after the very own Ronaldinho (his younger brother) back in the day.

Mendes spent some time training at the PSG academy a few months ago, so here's hoping for a future return to the French capital to solidify himself and build a career such as his father's went on to have!