Joao Mendes: Carving His Own Path in Football

Joao Mendes’ journey to Hull City has already traversed several continents. After playing for Cruzeiro and Barcelona, he joined Burnley last season before signing a short-term contract with Hull in September that extends until the end of the current campaign. His move to Spain in 2023 garnered significant media attention, not solely for his talent, but because he followed in the footsteps of his father at a club where Ronaldinho once mesmerized fans. The former Brazilian star won two La Liga titles and a Champions League during his illustrious tenure, and there were high hopes that Mendes would replicate such success. However, Mendes recognized that this legacy was precisely why he needed to forge his own path.

At Hull, Mendes is focused on crafting his own narrative rather than one overshadowed by his father’s illustrious career. “I don’t feel any pressure. I’ve always been clear in my mind that I am my own person and he is his own,” he shared with BBC Radio Humberside. “It’s natural for people to see me as his son, but it doesn’t impact how I play. I don’t concern myself with that. My family constantly reminds me that it’s just noise, and I need to focus on being happy playing football.”

Currently, Mendes is part of the Under-21 squad at Hull. He possesses the versatility to play both as a winger and an attacking midfielder and is determined to showcase his skills to earn a spot on the first team. “I’m just working hard to secure my place. The primary goal is to make it to the first team,” he stated. “When I joined, I needed to improve my fitness, and the coaches have been incredibly supportive in helping me with that.”

Ronaldinho’s career is legendary, with 236 club goals and 12 major trophies to his name. While his father’s charisma once illuminated the grandest stages of football, Mendes’ journey is just beginning. Nonetheless, he remains committed to defining his career on his own terms. “I want to be Joao, independent of anything else,” he remarked in a previous interview with ESPN. “I’ve never aimed to emulate my father; I’ve always sought to distance myself from where he played and what’s familiar. I believe that stepping away was a positive move for me. People outside may wish for you to be someone you’re not, but it’s refreshing to be here.”

Being the son of a global football icon means constant scrutiny, as every touch of the ball and each missed opportunity is magnified. Mendes is acutely aware of this reality, as his parents were too. “My father and mother never truly wanted me to pursue football because they understood the pressures involved. But when passion prevails, it’s hard to resist,” he admitted.

When asked whether he feels burdened by his father’s legacy, he replied, “It’s a delicate balance. Some people succumb to the pressure, while others don’t. I’ve always taken pride in being his son. My father is regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, to ever play the game. So being able to discuss him is a source of pride, but I strive to carve my own path, playing my football without the weight of expectation.”

Adjusting from Brazil’s sunny beaches to the chill of English winters has been a challenge, but Mendes is adapting well. “It was tough at first, especially during winter. But if you wear gloves and a couple of pairs of socks, you can manage,” he noted.

As Hull City’s first team currently sits fifth in the Championship, aiming for promotion to the Premier League, Mendes recognizes that opportunities may soon arise. He is dedicated to proving himself with the Under-21 squad, and the comparisons to his father do not deter him.