Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has traced his ancestry to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon after undergoing a DNA test. The test was part of the Brazilian Football Confederation’s (CBF) “Roots of Gold” project, in collaboration with AfricanAncestry.com, aimed at celebrating Afro-Brazilian heritage.
The results were revealed on November 19, 2024, at a ceremony in Fonte Nova, ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Vinícius, accompanied by his father, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira, received a certificate confirming his roots from CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues.
Rodrigues highlighted the initiative’s significance, saying, “Celebrating Vini Jr. is celebrating the success of all Brazilians. This initiative reinforces the importance of Afro-Brazilian culture in shaping our identity and achievements.”
Gina Paige, founder of AfricanAncestry.com, stressed the importance of reconnecting with African roots. She stated, “Vinícius’ discovery is a powerful act of resistance, aligning with his advocacy for social justice on and off the pitch.”
Vinícius’ father expressed his joy, noting the importance of knowing one’s heritage. “Many Brazilians are unaware of their ancestry. We’re proud to be connected to Cameroon,” he said.
To honor his newfound roots, Vinícius wore a special jersey featuring the flags of Brazil and Cameroon during the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
