Ronaldinho's son joins Championship side Hull

Joao Mendes, the son of Brazil great Ronaldinho, has signed a one-year contract with Hull City, the second-tier Championship club said on Thursday.

The 20-year-old came up through Barcelona's youth set-up before moving to Burnley in 2024. He played regularly for their Under-21 team but was released earlier this year.

The deal includes an option for a one-year extension.

"I think it is good to be able to play in different styles of football," Mendes said in a statement. "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."

Ex-Barcelona player Ronaldinho, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 2005, posted a picture of Mendes holding a Hull jersey on Instagram with the caption: "Good luck at your new club and challenge, my son."