A DNA test conducted by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has revealed that Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has ancestral ties to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon.
The test results, which were presented to the player, uncovered a fascinating aspect of his heritage. Naijawebinfo has learned that the DNA test was conducted in partnership with AfricanAncestry.com, a company dedicated to tracing the roots of individuals of African descent.
The findings were publicly revealed on November 19, 2024, during a ceremony held at Fonte Nova, where Vinicius was awarded a certificate confirming his African heritage.
The event was attended by Vinicius’s father, Vinicius José Paixão de Oliveira, and the CBF president, Ednaldo Rodrigues. The initiative is part of the CBF’s ‘Roots of Gold’ campaign, which aims to celebrate the history and pride of the Afro-Brazilian community, particularly within the realm of football.
Rodrigues emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating that “by knowing his origins, we reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive society and recognize the fundamental role of Afro-Brazilian culture in our identity and our success in global football.” The ceremony took place just before Brazil’s World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay.
Vinicius Junior receives a certificate confirming his African heritage
Gina Paige, the founder and president of AfricanAncestry.com, highlighted the importance of reconnecting individuals of African descent with their roots. She noted that Vinicius’s story is a powerful example of an individual reclaiming their heritage and advocating for social justice.
Vinicius’s father, Vinicius José Paixão de Oliveira, expressed his appreciation for the discovery, saying that “it’s important for us to know where we come from. Many Brazilians don’t know their ancestry or heritage, and I’m happy to learn that we have connections to Cameroon.”
Vinicius celebrated his newfound heritage by wearing a jersey adorned with the flags of Brazil and Cameroon during the match against Uruguay, which ended with a score of 1-1.
