Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr traces ancestry to Cameroon through DNA test
A DNA test has confirmed that Vinicius Jr., the Brazilian and Real Madrid star winger, has ancestral ties to Cameroon.
The test, conducted by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in collaboration with AfricanAncestry.com on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Fonte Nova, revealed that Vinicius Jr.’s ancestry traces back to the Tikar tribe of Cameroon.
A certificate recognizing Vinicius Jr.’s Cameroonian heritage was presented to him, along with a video that highlights the legacy of his Tikar ancestors, a prominent tribe in Cameroon.
This initiative is part of the CBF’s ‘Roots of Gold’ campaign, which celebrates the history and pride of the Afro-Brazilian community, with a particular focus on football.
Reflecting on his discovery, Vinicius said, “Learning that my roots are in Cameroon is a deeply 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 celebration of his heritage, Vinicius Jr. wore a special jersey featuring the flags of Brazil and Cameroon during the match against Uruguay, which concluded in a 1-1 draw. The winger played the full 90 minutes of the match.