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Hull City academy winger Joao Mendes said he does not feel any extra pressure because he is the son of Brazilian legend Ronaldinho.
The 20-year-old joined the Tigers on a one-year deal in September after spending last season at Burnley’s youth team.
His father won the 2002 World Cup, Champions League and Ballon d’Or in a career that saw him play for Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan.
He told BBC Radio Humberside: “I don’t feel any pressure. It’s always been clear in my mind that it’s me and he’s him.”
“It’s normal that she sees me as his son but that doesn’t affect me or the way I play. I don’t care at all.”
He added: “All my family always tell me it’s just noise and I don’t need to listen to any of it. I just want to 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” to be Ronaldinho’s son and invited him to Hull City.
He said he did not spend much time with his father when he was growing up because of his career, which also saw the striker play for five clubs in his native Brazil.
Mendes is now looking to consolidate his playing time with Hull’s Under-21s, after joining the club after missing the pre-season.
“I’m just working hard to get my place. The main goal is to get into the first team,” he said.
“The fitness level wasn’t there when I joined, so I’m working on it. The coaches understand me and help me a lot.”
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