Joao Mendes: Son of Ronaldinho to see his own way to Hull City

Hull City Academy Winger Joao Mendes says he does not feel too much pressure because he is the son of Brazil Legendinho.

The 20-year-old joined the Tigers on a one-year deal in September after spending last season in Burnley’s youth set-up.

His father won the 2002 World Cup, Champions League and Ballon D’o in a career that saw him play for Paris – Gercelona and AC Milan.

“I don’t feel any pressure. I always have it clear in my mind that I am me and he is her,” he told HBC Radio Humberserside.

“It’s normal that you see me as his son but it doesn’t affect me or the way I play. I never thought about it.”

He added: “All my family keep telling me it’s just noise and I shouldn’t listen to any of it. I should be happy playing football.”

The Brazilian, who spent time at Barcelona’s La Masia Academy before moving to England in August 2024, said he was “proud” that he was “invited by a son Ronaldinho.

He said he didn’t spend much time with his father when he was growing up because of his career, which also saw him play for five clubs in his native Brazil.

Mendes is now looking to improve his game in the under-21s at Hull, joining the club after missing pre-season.

“I’m just working to get my place. The main goal is to make it to the first team,” he said.

“The fitness level was not there when I was together so I worked on that. The coaches understood and helped me a lot.”