You likely know his famous father, but João Mendes is carving his own path in the soccer world. He recently made headlines by joining Hull City, continuing his journey through European football.
In this article, you will know Player João Mendes’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
João Mendes’ Biography
| Profile Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | João Mendes de Assis Moreira |
| Date of Birth | February 25, 2005 |
| Age | 20 |
| Nationality | Brazilian / Spanish |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 67 kg (147 lbs) |
| Current Club | Hull City (U21 Squad) |
| Position | Right Winger / Left Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Turned Pro | 2019 (Youth Contract at Cruzeiro) |
| Net Worth | $300,000 – $500,000 (Estimated Personal) |
| Father | Ronaldinho Gaúcho |
| Mother | Janaína Mendes |
| Partner | Giovanna Buscacio |
| @joaomendes (Verified) |
Early Career
João Mendes started his football journey in Brazil, but he did something remarkable for a child of a superstar. He hid his identity. When he went for a trial at Cruzeiro at age 13, he kept his father’s name a secret to ensure he made the team on merit rather than nepotism.
The scouts liked his left foot and his pace, and only after he passed the trial did the club realize they had signed the son of a Ballon d’Or winner.
This decision showed a maturity that defined his early years. He spent four years in the Cruzeiro youth system, developing away from the intense media glare that usually follows his family.
Eventually, the call of Europe became too strong to ignore. In 2023, João moved to Barcelona, the club where his father became a god. He underwent a trial with the Juvenil (U19) squad.
While some critics whispered that his last name opened the door, club officials insisted his left-footed profile offered value. He signed a contract and trained at La Masia, rubbing shoulders with the next generation of La Liga stars.
However, the step up to Barcelona’s first team proved too steep, and by the summer of 2024, João and his management team decided that his future lay elsewhere. They looked north, towards the physical, demanding leagues of England.
Professional Career
The move to England shocked many pundits. In August 2024, João Mendes signed a two-year deal with Burnley, a club famous for its hard-working, defensive grit—the polar opposite of Ronaldinho’s “Joga Bonito.”
He joined their U21 setup, playing in the Professional Development League. The transition tested him physically. English youth football demands high work rates and defensive responsibility.
During the 2024-2025 season, João made a handful of appearances for the Clarets, showing flashes of skill but struggling to dominate games consistently. He often played on the wing, looking to cut inside on his favored left foot.
Girlfriend
João Mendes keeps his private life relatively low-key, but his relationship with Giovanna Buscacio grabbed headlines in late 2024. Giovanna is a Brazilian influencer and the sister of actress Giullia Buscacio.
The couple has been together since his days in Barcelona, and she moved with him to the UK, settling first in Manchester and then near Hull. Their relationship appears grounded, with Giovanna often sharing glimpses of their life in England on social media.
João Mendes Net Worth Details
As of 2026, João Mendes holds a personal net worth estimated between $300,000 and $500,000. While his father is worth over $90 million, João’s personal wealth comes from his own contracts and endorsements.
Contract
João Mendes currently plays under a one-year contract with Hull City, signed in September 2025. This deal keeps him at the MKM Stadium until the summer of 2026.
The contract reportedly includes an option for the club to extend his stay by another 12 months if he breaks into the first team or impresses sufficiently in the development squad.
Before this, he held a two-year contract with Burnley, which he exited early to facilitate the move to Hull.
These short-term deals are standard for players in his position—clubs want to see development before committing long-term financial resources.
Salary
Salaries vary wildly, but we can make educated estimates based on market rates. At Burnley and now Hull City, João Mendes likely earns a base salary in the range of £40,000 to £60,000 per year (approx. $50,000 – $75,000).
This figure aligns with standard wages for development squad players in the Championship who arrive from high-profile academies. While this salary is far below the average first-team wage, it provides a comfortable living.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club | Estimated Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | FC Barcelona (Juvenil) | $30,000 (Stipend/Housing) |
| 2024 | Burnley FC (U21) | $55,000 |
| 2025 | Burnley / Hull City | $60,000 |
| 2026 | Hull City (U21) | $65,000 (Projected) |
Endorsements
João’s biggest financial asset outside of football is his relationship with Nike. He signed a contract with the American sportswear giant at age 14, following in his father’s footsteps.
Nike supplies him with boots and apparel, and while the exact value of the deal remains private, such contracts for youth players usually involve a retainer fee plus performance bonuses.
As the son of a Nike icon, João likely commands a higher tier of merchandise support than a standard academy player.
He frequently wears the latest Nike Mercurial boots in training and matches, showcasing the brand to his nearly 1 million Instagram followers.
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Burnley U21 | Prof. Development League | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2025/26 | Hull City U21 | Prof. Development League | 3* | 0 | 0 |
| Total | All Clubs | Youth Leagues | 8 | 0 | 1 |
FAQs
1. Who is the father of João Mendes?
João Mendes is the son of Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho (Ronaldo de Assis Moreira) and former dancer Janaína Mendes. He is the only recognized child of the former Barcelona and AC Milan superstar.
2. Which team does João Mendes play?
He plays for Hull City in the English Championship. He specifically features for their Under-21 development squad after signing a one-year contract with the club in September 2025.
3. What is the height and preferred foot of João Mendes?
João stands at approximately 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches) tall. Unlike his right-footed father, João is left-footed and prefers to play as a winger cutting in from the right side.
4. Does João Mendes have any children?
Yes, he has one child. João and his partner, Giovanna Buscacio, welcomed their first baby in mid-2025, making Ronaldinho a grandfather at the age of 45.
5. Why did João Mendes leave Barcelona?
He left Barcelona because he struggled to secure a spot in the senior team or the B-team. Both he and the club agreed that moving to England would offer him a better pathway for professional development.
