Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior has traced his ancestry to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon following a DNA test conducted by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in collaboration with AfricanAncestry.com.
The test results were unveiled on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, during a ceremony at Fonte Nova Stadium. Vinícius was presented with a certificate confirming his heritage alongside his father, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira, and CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues, just before Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
The initiative is part of the CBF’s Roots of Gold campaign, which celebrates the history and pride of the Afro-Brazilian community, particularly in football. Speaking at the event, Rodrigues highlighted the significance of the discovery, stating, “To celebrate Vini Jr. is to celebrate the success of all Brazilians. By knowing his origins, we reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive society, recognising the fundamental role of Afro-Brazilian culture in our identity and our success in global football.”
Gina Paige, founder and president of AfricanAncestry.com, emphasized the importance of reconnecting individuals of African descent with their roots. She noted, “Vini Jr. carries within him the desire to honour his heritage. However, like many individuals of African descent, his ancestral story has been erased by racism and the legacy of slavery. Through a DNA test, we discovered that Vini Jr.’s ancestors belong to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon.
“We believe that Vini’s reconnection with his African roots is a powerful ‘act of resistance,’ in line with his advocacy for social justice both on and off the football pitch,” Paige added.
Vinícius’ father expressed joy over the discovery, stating, “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 crowd at Fonte Nova applauded as the moment Vinícius received his certificate was broadcast on the stadium’s giant screens. To honour his newfound roots, Vinícius wore a special jersey featuring the flags of Brazil and Cameroon during the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
