Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has recently uncovered his ancestral ties to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon, thanks to a DNA test conducted by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in partnership with AfricanAncestry.com.
The results were revealed on November 19, 2024, during a special ceremony held at Fonte Nova, where Vinícius was presented with a certificate affirming his heritage. This significant moment took place just prior to Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
Accompanied by his father, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira, and CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues, the young star received the certificate in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The initiative is part of the CBF’s ‘Roots of Gold’ campaign, aimed at celebrating the history and contributions of the Afro-Brazilian community in football.
In his remarks at the event, Rodrigues underscored the initiative’s importance, stating, “Celebrating Vinícius Júnior means celebrating the achievements of all Brazilians. Understanding his origins highlights our dedication to fostering an inclusive society that honors the vital role of Afro-Brazilian culture in our national identity and our success on the international stage.”
Gina Paige, founder of AfricanAncestry.com, emphasized the significance of reconnecting individuals of African descent with their roots. “Vinícius embodies the desire to honor his heritage. Unfortunately, many individuals of African descent have had their ancestral stories obscured by racism and the legacy of slavery. Through this DNA test, we learned that Vinícius hails from the Tikar tribe in Cameroon. His reconnection with these roots represents a powerful act of resistance, especially given his advocacy for social justice both on and off the field,” Paige explained.
Vinícius’ father expressed his happiness about the discovery, stating, “Knowing where we come from is vital. Many Brazilians are unaware of their ancestry, so I’m thrilled that we have ties to Cameroon.”
The touching moment of Vinícius receiving his certificate was broadcast on giant screens throughout the stadium, eliciting applause from the audience. To celebrate his newfound heritage, Vinícius wore a special jersey adorned with the flags of both Brazil and Cameroon during the match, which concluded in a 1-1 draw.
