The star winger for Real Madrid and Brazil, Vinicius Jr., has Cameroonian ancestry, according to a Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) test.
According to a test administered at Fonte Nova on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in collaboration with AfricanAncestry.com, the player’s genealogy is anchored in the Tikar tribe of Cameroon.
A certificate acknowledging Vinicius Jr.’s Cameroonian ancestry was presented, along with a film that showcased the heritage of his Tikar ancestors, a well-known Cameroonian tribe.
The initiative is part of the CBF’s ‘Roots of Gold’ campaign, which honours the history and pride of the Afro-Brazilian community, with a special focus on football.
Speaking about his roots, Vinicius said, “Discovering that my roots are in Cameroon is a very special moment for me and my family.
“It reminds me that, despite the challenges, our origins and our history count for a lot.”
In response to the discovery, Vinícius’ father shared his excitement, saying, ‘It’s important for us to know where we come from. Many Brazilians are unaware of their ancestry or heritage. I’m happy that we have roots in Cameroon too.’
The founder and president of AfricanAncestry.com, Gina Paige, underscored the importance of helping people of African descent reconnect with their heritage.
“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 said.
In honor of his ancestry, Vinicius Jr. wore a special jersey featuring the flags of Brazil and Cameroon for the match against Uruguay, which ended in a 1-1 draw, with the winger playing the entire 90 minutes.
