Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior recently discovered 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 at a ceremony on November 19, 2024, where Vinícius was presented with a certificate confirming his heritage. The ceremony took place at Fonte Nova, just before Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. This initiative is part of the CBF’s ‘Roots of Gold’ campaign, which celebrates the history and pride of the Afro-Brazilian community, especially in football.
During the event, the president of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues, emphasized the importance of celebrating Vinícius as a representation of Brazilian success. The founder of AfricanAncestry.com, Gina Paige, highlighted the significance of reconnecting individuals of African descent with their roots. Vinícius’ father expressed his happiness at the discovery, stating the importance of knowing one’s ancestry. Vinícius proudly wore a special jersey featuring the flags of Brazil and Cameroon during the match as a tribute to his newly discovered roots.