A DNA test has sensationally revealed that Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger, has ancestral roots in Cameroon.
The test carried out by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in collaboration with AfricanAncestry.com on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 in Fonte Nova revealed that the player’s ancestry has its roots in the Tikar tribe of Cameroon.
A certificate recognizing Vinicius Jr’s Cameroonian heritage was issued, along with a video highlighting the legacy of his Tikar ancestors, a prominent tribe in Cameroon.
The initiative is part of the CBF’s ‘Golden Roots’ campaign, which honors the history and pride of the Afro-Brazilian community, with special attention to football.
Speaking about his roots, Vinicius stated: “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 matter a lot.”
In response to the discovery, Vinícius’ father shared his excitement and said: “It is important for us to know where we come from.” Many Brazilians are unaware of their ancestry or heritage. “I am happy that we also have roots in Cameroon.”
AfricanAncestry.com Founder and President Gina Paige stressed the importance of helping people of African descent reconnect with their heritage.
“Vini Jr. carries within him the desire to honor his heritage. However, like many people of African descent, their ancestral history 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 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 field,” Page said.
In honor of his ancestry, Vinicius Jr. wore a special jersey with the flags of Brazil and Cameroon for the match against Uruguay, which ended in a 1-1 draw, with the winger playing the full 90 minutes.
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