A Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) test has revealed that Brazilian and Real Madrid football star, Vinícius Jr. has ancestral ties to Cameroon, specifically the Tikar tribe.
The test, conducted on November 19, 2024, by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in collaboration with AfricanAncestry.com, confirmed his Cameroonian heritage.
As part of the discovery, Vinícius Jr. was presented with a certificate acknowledging his roots and a video celebrating the legacy of the Tikar people, a prominent tribe in Cameroon.
This initiative is part of the CBF’s “Roots of Gold” campaign, which celebrates Afro-Brazilian history and culture, particularly through the lens of football.
Reflecting on the discovery, Vinícius Jr said, “Discovering that my roots are in Cameroon is a very special moment for me and my family.I t reminds me that, despite the challenges, our origins and our history count for a lot.”
Vinícius’ father also expressed his pride, 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.’
Gina Paige, founder of AfricanAncestry.com, highlighted the significance of reconnecting people of African descent with their origins.
“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,” Paige explained.
In celebration of his heritage, Vinícius Jr. wore a custom jersey featuring the flags of Brazil and Cameroon during Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay, where he played the full match.
KanyiDaily recalls that Vinicius Junior recently broke his silence after choosing not to attend this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.
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