The footballing career of João Mendes, scion of Brazilian champion Ronaldinho, seems destined to follow paths that are much more tortuous than those traced by his father’s genius. Having reached 19 and a half, an age at which crystalline talents already burst onto the international scene, João instead seems destined for a loan to Dundee United, a modest Scottish team. The choice seems almost obligatory, since the boy, so far, has not shown in any way the stigmata of the champion that one might expect from an heir of such lineage.
The move from Burnley to Dundee United could be the last resort for a young man who, despite his high-sounding surname, has not yet managed to establish himself. And here comes to mind the famous popular saying: “All that glitters is not gold”. His recent recognition by his father has certainly put some media spotlight on him, but the reality of the field is often harsh and does not spare anyone, not even the children of artists.
Reality, cold and implacable, tells us of a boy who, until today, has not even remotely been able to emulate his father’s magic. João seems to have very little of Ronaldinho, neither the velvet touch, nor the vision of the game, nor even that ability to decide matches with a single technical gesture, a flash of pure class. Talent is not inherited by dynastic right, and this young Brazilian is proof of that. Football, after all, is a severe judge, and in its judgment on João Mendes it has already expressed its sentence, which smacks more of a condemnation than a promise.
The future in Scotland, among the fog and cold of the suburban fields, will be the testing ground for a boy who will have to fight against the cumbersome shadow of his father and against his footballing destiny. But, beyond blood ties and expectations, the sad fact remains: the young Mendes seems destined to remain a name, rather than an indelible figure in the history of football.
This article is originally published on persemprenapoli.it
