Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior has traced his ancestry to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon through a DNA test conducted by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in partnership with AfricanAncestry.com. The results were revealed on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, during a ceremony at Fonte Nova Stadium, ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
Vinícius received a certificate confirming his Cameroonian roots alongside his father, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira, and CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues. The ceremony, part of the CBF’s Roots of Gold campaign, aims to celebrate the history and contributions of the Afro-Brazilian community, especially in football.
Speaking at the event, Rodrigues highlighted the cultural significance of the initiative, stating: “To celebrate Vini Jr. is to celebrate the success of all Brazilians. By uncovering his origins, we reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive society and recognize the vital role of Afro-Brazilian culture in shaping our identity and footballing legacy.”
Gina Paige, founder and president of AfricanAncestry.com, praised Vinícius’ reconnection with his roots. “Vini Jr. carries a deep desire to honor his heritage. Like many of African descent, his ancestral story was obscured by the impacts of slavery and racism. Through this test, we traced his lineage to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon. His journey is a powerful act of resistance, aligning with his advocacy for social justice on and off the pitch.”
Reacting to the discovery, Vinícius’ father expressed pride and gratitude. “It’s important for us to know where we come from. Many Brazilians are unaware of their ancestry. Learning about our Cameroonian roots fills me with joy.”
The moment Vinícius received his certificate was displayed on the stadium’s giant screens, earning applause from the crowd. To honor his heritage, he wore a special jersey featuring the flags of Brazil and Cameroon during the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.