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Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho is preparing to become a grandfather at the vibrant age of 45.
The beautiful influencer girlfriend of his son, Joao Mendes, who transferred to Burnley from Barcelona last August, shared the exciting announcement this weekend revealing that she is expecting their first baby.
Giovanna Buscacio, 25, who shares a home with 19-year-old Joao in Manchester and boasts an impressive Instagram following of 130,000, posted yesterday with baby and milk bottle emojis: “16 weeks and counting.”
In a follow-up to a selfie where she touched her bare belly, she also posted a video of herself sharing a kiss with Joao in an elevator, along with pictures of their joyous moments and a heartfelt message in both English and Portuguese: “Mom and dad. Incomplete without you my love but we are already together.”
Joao replied with a tender message: “I love you so much, my darling.”
Former Barcelona and AC Milan star Ronaldinho was spotted over the weekend participating in a charity football event in eastern China and has not yet commented publicly about the news on social media.
Joao, who is currently playing for Burnley U21s primarily as a right winger, is Ronaldinho’s only offspring.
His mother, former dancer Janaina Mendes, first met the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year while working on the popular Brazilian TV show “Domingão do Faustão.”
Originally from Belo Horizonte, as stated on her Instagram profile, she is now living in Barcelona.
At just 14, Joao Mendes signed his initial contract with Nike in May 2019, alongside his glamorous mother and Ronaldinho, who was the brand’s face when he received the world’s best player award in 2005.
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The aspiring talent from Rio de Janeiro secured his first professional contract with Brazil’s Cruzeiro at the tender age of 13 before relocating to Europe.
After trials, he was placed within Barcelona’s youth setup. Despite some promising development with the U19 team, he was released by the Catalan side last summer and has since joined Burnley’s U21 squad.
Ronaldinho showcases a stunning free-kick at age 44, proving he still retains his skills during an El Clasico Legends match
His contract is valid until June 30, 2026.
Joao’s girlfriend, an enchanting brunette, is the sibling of actress Guillia Buscacio.
The couple has been together for over two years, with Giovanna frequently posting photos on social media that capture their new life in the UK since moving in together.
Ronaldinho, who spent his 40th birthday incarcerated in Paraguay for using a fake passport, will celebrate his 45th birthday on March 21.
Ronaldinho’s Career Stats
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- Gremio, 1998-2001: 125 games, 58 goals
- PSG, 2001-2003: 77 games, 25 goals
- Barcelona, 2003-2008: 207 games, 94 goals
- AC Milan, 2008-2011: 95 games, 26 goals
- Flamengo, 2011-2012: 72 games, 28 goals
- Atletico Mineiro, 2012-2014: 85 games, 27 goals
- Queretaro, 2014-2015: 29 games, 8 goals
- Fluminense, 2015: 9 games, 0 goals
- Brazil, 1999-2013: 97 games, 33 goals
Trophies
- Copa Sul, Campeonato Gaucho (Gremio)
- La Liga x2, Spanish Super Cup, Champions League (Barcelona)
- Campeonato Carioca (Flamengo)
- Campeonato Mineiro, Copa Libertadores, Recopa Sudamericana (Atletico Mineiro)
- South America U17 Championship, FIFA U17 World Championship, Olympic Bronze, Copa America, Confederations Cup, World Cup (Brazil)