Real Madrid and Brazilian football star Vinícius Júnior has traced his ancestry to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon after undergoing a DNA test conducted by the Brazilian Football Confederation in partnership with AfricanAncestry.com.
The results were revealed on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, during a ceremony at Fonte Nova Stadium in Brazil, just before Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
Vinícius received a certificate confirming his heritage alongside his father, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira, and CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues.
The initiative is part of the CBF’s ‘Roots of Gold’ campaign, which highlights the contributions of Afro-Brazilian culture to football and society.
Speaking at the event, Rodrigues stated, “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 of AfricanAncestry.com, praised the discovery as a meaningful way to reconnect people of African descent with their heritage. She said, “Vini Jr. carries within him the desire to honour his heritage. Like many individuals of African descent, his ancestral story has been erased by racism and the legacy of slavery. Discovering his roots in the Tikar tribe is a powerful ‘act of resistance,’ aligned with his advocacy for social justice.”
Vinícius’ father expressed his happiness, 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 ceremony was celebrated by fans at the stadium, who cheered when the moment Vinícius received his certificate was broadcast on the giant screens. To honour his Cameroonian roots, Vinícius wore a special jersey featuring the flags of Brazil and Cameroon during the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
