Real Madrid star, Vinícius Jr traces ancestry to Cameroon through DNA test

Real Madrid and Brazilian football star Vinícius Júnior has uncovered his ancestral ties to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon through a DNA test conducted by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in partnership with AfricanAncestry.com. The results were revealed on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, during a ceremony at Fonte Nova. At the event, Vinícius was presented with a certificate confirming his heritage, accompanied by his father, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira, and CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues. The ceremony took place just before Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.

Speaking at the event, Rodrigues celebrated the moment, saying, “To celebrate Vini Jr. is to celebrate the success of all Brazilians. By discovering his roots, we reinforce our commitment to an inclusive society, recognizing the vital contributions of Afro-Brazilian culture to our identity and success in global football.”

Gina Paige, founder and president of AfricanAncestry.com, emphasized the significance of reconnecting individuals of African descent with their origins. “Vini Jr. embodies a deep respect for his heritage. However, like many of African descent, his ancestral narrative has been obscured by the effects of racism and slavery. The DNA test revealed that his ancestors are from the Tikar tribe in Cameroon,” Paige explained.

She further noted, “This reconnection is a powerful act of resistance, aligning with Vini Jr.'s ongoing advocacy for social justice both on and off the pitch.” Reacting to the discovery, Vinícius’ father expressed his happiness, stating, “It’s essential to know where we come from. Many Brazilians are unaware of their ancestry. I’m proud to learn that we have roots in Cameroon.”