Football legend to become a grandfather aged just 45
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho is set to become a grandfather at the age of just 45. Ronaldinho's 19-year-old son João Mendes, who is also a Burnley winger, is expecting a baby with influencer girlfriend Giovanna Buscacio, 25.
Giovanna revealed the baby news to fans on social media. Along with snaps of her baby shower where she celebrated with the women in her family, Giovanna sweetly wrote: “16 weeks and counting” to her 130,000 followers. Ronaldinho, who turns 45 in March before the expected arrival of his grandchild, is yet to comment on the announcement. João and Giovanna currently live in Manchester, with the footballer having departed Barcelona's youth academy for Burnley over the summer.
Friends and family of Giovanna rushed to the comments to congratulate her on her pregnancy with messages in Portuguese. João’s mum, Janaina Mendes wrote a message that translates as: “A grandmas love [love heart emojis] so loved already!!! Come I'm crazy to fill you with kisses and lots of love! I love you @mendesjoao and @giobuscacio”.
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Giovanna followed up on the selfie pictures she published showing her resting a hand on her exposed belly by posting footage of her kissing Joao in a lift and snaps of the happy couple alongside a message in English and Portuguese which said: “Mom and dad. Incomplete without you my love but we are already together.” João responded by saying: “I love you a lot, my darling.” The post appears to have now been deleted.
The couple have been together more than two years and Giovanna has shared several snaps on social media showing their new life in England since they moved to the UK together.
João, was born in Rio de Janeiro-born, signed his first professional contract with Brazil’s Cruzeiro aged 13 before moving to Europe. The star recently transferred from the Barcelona team to Burnley where he plays for the club's youth team.
Meanwhile, his 44-year-old dad, Ronaldinho continues to showcase his love for football. Recently, he participated in the El Clásico Legends match in Qatar, where he impressed the crowd of 31,000 with his skills. Ronaldinho scored a stunning free-kick against Real Madrid.
João’s mum is former dancer Janaina Mendes, who met Ronaldinho, the two-times winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award and started dating him when she was a dancer on a popular Brazilian TV show called Domingao do Faustao.
Ronaldinho, who spent his 40th birthday in prison in Paraguay after being arrested for flying into the country on a fake passport, turns 45 on March 21 2025.
