Ronaldinho's son Mendes joins Burnley's academy

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Joao Mendes (left) spent last season in Barcelona's academy

Burnley have signed Brazilian legend Ronaldinho's son Joao Mendes to their under-21s squad.

The 19-year-old had previously been at Barcelona's La Masia youth academy.

His father won the World Cup in 2002 and the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006, and was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 2005.

Mendes came through the Cruzeiro academy in Brazil before signing for Barcelona Under-19s in 2023 following a successful trial.

Burnley head coach Scott Parker said earlier this month that he would be joining the club as a "development player".

鈥淚 feel blessed to be here and I鈥檓 excited to take on this opportunity," .

鈥淭he project is great and although the weather is different to what I鈥檓 used to where I鈥檓 from in Brazil, I can tell how passionate the fans are about football here and I really like the town."

He could feature for the under-21s against Charlton Athletic at Burnley's training centre on Sunday.

The Championship side have not disclosed the length of deal Mendes has signed.