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Following Hull City’s signing of Joao Mendes, Ronaldinho’s son, the Barcelona and Brazilian legend has sent support to the new Tigers.
Hull City have confirmed the signing of Joao Mendes following his departure from now-Premier League side Burnley.
Mendes has joined up with the Hull City Academy, but he has also been named in the first-team squad for the 2025/26 Championship season, opening up the potential that he will be tested in Sergej Jakirovic’s side at some point this season.
The arrival of Mendes has raised eyebrows because of his relation to footballing icon Ronaldinho, and Tigers fans will hope to see shades of Ronaldinho in his son.
Following confirmation that the move was sealed, Ronaldinho took to social media, where he spoke about his move to Hull City.
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What Ronaldinho wrote on social media as Joao Mendes signs for Hull City
Hull City’s new arrival, Joao Mendes, has been given the stamp of approval from his father on social media, with Ronaldinho writing a message of support on Instagram.
In his Instagram story, posting to his 77 million followers, Ronaldinho wrote: “Good luck in your new club and challenge my son!”
While Mendes could have a high ceiling and the potential to make a difference at first-team level, eventually, for Hull City, there is no underestimating the impact it can have by Ronaldinho providing the club with exposure.
If Mendes can break into the first team, maybe we will see Ronaldinho in HU3 to shout on his son.
Joao Mendes has already told Sergej Jakirovic what to expect from him
Hull City’s newest recruit, Joao Mendes, is already holding out hope that he can break through into the first-team squad, despite struggling to do so at Burnley previously.
Mendes, who has also played in the Barcelona youth set-up as a youngster, has told Sergej Jakirovic what to expect from him in his first interview with the club.
Speaking to the Hull City club website, Mendes said: “I play as a right winger or an attacking midfielder. I am a fast, explosive and creative player.
“I think it is good to be able to play in different styles of football. In Brazil, it is one style, Spain is another one and England is another one so I think it complements your game really well if you have played at different places.
“It is a great stadium, beautiful stadium (MKM Stadium). Everything looks good, the pitch looks good and I am just excited to be here and play.
“I just want to help as much as I can in the Under-21s and in the first team. I don’t mind what level, I just love playing football and if the chance comes, I will take great use of it.”
Hull City have already brought a number of younger players through the ranks to play in the first-team this season, and if Mendes can hit the ground running, there is no ruling out that the Brazilian could eventually find his way into the professional game.