Ronaldinho’s son on trial with Barca youth academy: reports

Mendes could join Barcelona’s youth academy in a move which is being handled personally by club president Joan Laporta, Spain’s Sport reported.

FIL PHOTO: Barcelona star Ronaldinho celebrates his goal against Cadiz during a LaLiga match at Camp Nou in Barcelona on April 29, 2006. | Photo Credit: AP

Joao Mendes, son of former Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho, is undergoing trials with Barca’s youth team, Spanish media reported on Thursday.

The 17-year-old, who terminated his contract with Brazilian Serie B club Cruzeiro, could join Barcelona’s youth academy in a move which is being handled personally by club president Joan Laporta, Spain’s Sport reported.

Ronaldinho, who now works as a club ambassador, spent five years at Camp Nou as a player from 2003-08.

He played over 200 matches for Barcelona and scored nearly 100 goals, helping them win the Champions League and two LaLiga titles. He was in the Brazil team who won the 2002 World Cup.