Brazil legend Ronaldinho is set to become a grandfather at the age of 45 as his son Joao Mendes, who signed for Burnley last year, is expecting his first child with his girlfriend Giovanna Buscacio. The 25-year-old influencer made the announcement on social media, revealing that she is 16 weeks pregnant. Joao and Giovanna have been together for over two years and share a life in Manchester, where Joao plays for Burnley U21s as a right winger. Ronaldinho, who has yet to comment on the news, shares Joao with his former dancer girlfriend Janaina Mendes.
Joao Mendes began his football career at a young age, signing his first professional contract with Brazil’s Cruzeiro at just 13 before moving to Europe and joining Barcelona’s youth team. Despite improvements with the U19 squad, Joao was released by Barcelona last summer and subsequently joined Burnley’s U21s squad. His current contract with Burnley runs until June 2026. Meanwhile, Giovanna Buscacio, Joao’s girlfriend, is an influencer with a significant following on Instagram. The couple have been living in England together since their move from Barcelona. Giovanna is the sister of actress Guillia Buscacio.
Ronaldinho, a former Barcelona and AC Milan star, achieved immense success during his career, winning numerous trophies and awards. He scored a stunning free-kick at the age of 44 in an El Clasico Legends game, proving that he still had the skills that made him famous. His career stats include stints at Gremio, PSG, Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro, and other clubs, as well as playing for Brazil’s national team. He won various titles, including the Copa Libertadores, Champions League, La Liga, and the World Cup with Brazil in 2002.
Janaina Mendes, Joao’s mother, met Ronaldinho when she was a dancer on a popular Brazilian TV show called Domingao do Faustao. She started dating Ronaldinho, and they share Joao as their only child. Joao’s professional accomplishments include signing a contract with Nike at just 14 years old in the presence of his parents and joining Barcelona’s youth team before moving to Burnley. The young couple, Joao and Giovanna, have been in a relationship for over two years, with Giovanna regularly sharing snapshots of their life together on social media.
Ronaldinho, who celebrated his 40th birthday in a Paraguayan prison after being arrested for entering the country with a fake passport, is approaching his 45th birthday on March 21. Despite his legal troubles, Ronaldinho remains a beloved figure in the football world, admired for his incredible skills and achievements on the pitch. His son Joao Mendes is following in his footsteps as a professional football player, with his own career ahead of him at Burnley. As the family prepares to welcome the newest addition, Ronaldinho’s legacy continues to influence the next generation both on and off the field.
In conclusion, the news of Ronaldinho becoming a grandfather at the age of 45 has garnered attention, with many fans expressing their well-wishes for the family. Joao Mendes, Ronaldinho’s son, is expecting his first child with his girlfriend Giovanna Buscacio, who announced the pregnancy on social media. Joao’s promising football career at Burnley and Giovanna’s influence as a social media personality have put the young couple in the spotlight. Ronaldinho’s achievements as a football icon and the support of his family, including Joao’s mother Janaina Mendes, continue to shape the family’s narrative. As the next generation prepares to make its mark, Ronaldinho’s legacy remains a lasting influence in the football world.