Real Madrid and Brazilian player, Vinícius Júnior, has discovered his ancestral connections to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon through a DNA test facilitated by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in partnership with AfricanAncestry.com.
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the test results were formally disclosed during a ceremony held at Fonte Nova. At this event, Vinícius was officially presented with a certificate that confirms his heritage.
According to Foot Boom, Vinícius received the certificate just before Brazil’s World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay, together with his father, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira, and CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues.
Speaking at the event, Rodrigues said: “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.”
The founder and president of AfricanAncestry.com, Gina Paige, highlighted the importance of reconnecting individuals of African descent with their roots.
“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,” Page stated.
Reacting to the discovery, Vinícius’ father expressed joy, 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.”
