Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior has uncovered his ancestral ties to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon after undergoing a DNA test conducted by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in partnership with AfricanAncestry.com.
The test results were revealed on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, during a ceremony at Fonte Nova, where Vinícius was presented with a certificate confirming his heritage.
According to Foot Boom, Vinícius received the certificate alongside his father, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira, and CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues, just before Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. This initiative is part of the CBF’s ‘Roots of Gold’ campaign, which honors the history and pride of the Afro-Brazilian community, particularly in football.
Rodrigues spoke at the event, emphasizing the broader significance of the initiative. “To celebrate Vini Jr. is to celebrate the success of all Brazilians. By understanding his origins, we reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive society, recognizing the crucial role of Afro-Brazilian culture in our identity and our achievements in global football,” he stated.
Gina Paige, the founder and president of AfricanAncestry.com, stressed the importance of reconnecting individuals of African descent with their roots. “Vini Jr. carries the desire to honor his heritage. However, like many of African descent, his ancestral history has been erased by racism and the legacy of slavery. Through this DNA test, we discovered that his ancestors belong to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon.”
Paige added, “We see Vini’s reconnection with his African roots as a powerful act of resistance, reflecting his advocacy for social justice both on and off the football field.”
Vinícius’ father expressed joy at the discovery, saying, “It’s important for us to know where we come from. Many Brazilians don’t know their ancestry or heritage. I’m happy we are from Cameroon too.”
The moment Vinícius received his certificate was broadcast on the stadium’s giant screens, drawing applause from the crowd.
To honor his newfound roots, Vinícius wore a special jersey featuring both the Brazilian and Cameroonian flags during the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
