Real Madrid star, Vinícius Júnior, has uncovered his ancestral ties to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon, thanks to a DNA test facilitated by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in partnership with AfricanAncestry.com
The test results were revealed on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, during a ceremony at Fonte Nova, where Vinícius was officially presented with a certificate confirming his heritage.
According to Foot Boom, the certificate was presented to Vinícius alongside his father, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira, and CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues, just ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
The initiative is part of the CBF’s ‘Roots of Gold’ campaign, which celebrates the history and pride of the Afro-Brazilian community, particularly within football.
Rodrigues spoke at the event, emphasizing the significance of the initiative: “Celebrating Vini Jr. means celebrating the success of all Brazilians. By discovering his roots, we reinforce our commitment to an inclusive society, recognizing the critical role of Afro-Brazilian culture in shaping our identity and our triumphs in global football.”
Vinícius’ father expressed his joy over the discovery, saying, “It’s important to know where we come from. Many Brazilians are unaware of their ancestry or heritage. I’m proud to learn that we have roots in Cameroon.”
The moment Vinícius received his certificate was shown on the stadium’s giant screens, which drew cheers from the crowd.
To honor his newfound heritage, Vinícius wore a special jersey featuring both the Brazilian and Cameroonian flags during the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
 in partnership with AfricanAncestry.com){kind=link}
Issokay