Ronaldinho is to become a grandfather at the age of 45, with his son Joao Mendes expecting a first child with influencer girlfriend Giovanna Buscacio.

Buscacio has announced her pregnancy on social media, with the 25-year-old posting on Instagram alongside an image of her cradling a growing bump: “16 weeks and counting.” She has also posted pictures of her with Mendes.

Mendes has welcomed the news of an imminent arrival, saying in response to his partner’s post: “I love you a lot, my darling.” The 19-year-old is the only child of World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldinho – who starred for the likes of Barcelona, AC Milan and Brazil in his playing days.

Mendes is looking to forge a footballing career of his own, having left the academy ranks at La Liga giants Barca to link up with Burnley in August. He is now living in Manchester with Buscacio as he turns out for the Clarets’ U21 side – mainly as a right winger.

Mendes’ mother is former dancer Janaina Mendes, who his father met when featuring on the popular Brazilian television show ‘Domingao do Faustao’. His contract at Turf Moor is due to run until the summer of 2026, giving him time to compete for a senior debut with the Championship promotion hopefuls – who count NFL legend JJ Watt and his former USWNT star wife Kealia among their team of investors.