Ronaldinho's son hid his identity during trial, nobody knew his dad was one of the greats
Ronaldinho's son hid his identity during a trial, with players and staff completely unaware his dad was one of the greatest players ever to play the game.
Joao Mendes de Assis Moreira looks exactly like his Ballon d'Or winning dad but wanted to carve his own path when he went on trial with Brazilian side Cruzeiro as a 13-year-old.
As per Globo Esporte, he is said to have 'charmed the scouts' but they had no idea that his legendary old man is arguably football's best ever entertainer.
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Nobody knew his family lineage as Mendes didn't want it to have a bearing on the final decision.
But he clearly made a huge impression as Cruzeiro brought him into the youth system after his mother Janaina Natielle Mendes gave her seal of approval.
Mendes had also spent time in the academy of Ronaldinho's former club Flamengo and played indoor football for Vasco de Gama.
He signed a six-year professional deal with Cruzeiro and scored two goals during a youth tournament over in China.
Mendes left after four seasons and was without a club for nearly a year before he bagged a trial with Barcelona, the club his father is best associated with.
It didn't go too smoothly at first, with the 17-year-old initially struggling during his period playing with the Blaugrana's Under 19 side.
President Joan Laporta, who has a great relationship with Ronaldinho, reportedly asked the club's coaching staff to extend his trial to further inspect the player.
However, Mendes started adjusting and showed what he's all about, resulting in Barcelona offering him a contract.
Roberto de Assis, his uncle and agent, was in contact with Laporta throughout and facilitated the transfer.
And Ronaldinho, who won the Champions League with Barca in 2006 and remains an ambassador, has confirmed the news.
"Yes he is coming now," he told RAC1, via MARCA.
"I'm never out of the club. Barcelona is part of life. Wherever I go I take Barcelona with me.
"With the arrival of my son at Barca I'll be more present than ever."
Josh Lawless