DNA Test Reveals Real Madrid Star Vinícius Júnior Has Cameroonian Roots

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has uncovered his ancestral ties to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon through a groundbreaking Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) test.

The revelation was made during a vibrant ceremony at Fonte Nova Stadium on Tuesday, just before Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in collaboration with AfricanAncestry.com, is part of the CBF’s ‘Roots of Gold’ campaign. The campaign aims to celebrate Afro-Brazilian heritage and its significant influence on football and Brazilian culture.

During the event, Vinícius was presented with a certificate confirming his Tikar lineage. He was joined by his father, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira, and CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues. The ceremony culminated in an emotional moment when the certificate was displayed on the stadium’s giant screens, earning resounding applause from fans.

CBF President Rodrigues highlighted the cultural and social importance of the discovery. “To celebrate Vini Jr. is to celebrate the success of all Brazilians. By knowing his origins, we reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive society, recognising the pivotal role of Afro-Brazilian culture in shaping our identity and football achievements,” Rodrigues stated.

Gina Paige, founder of AfricanAncestry.com, described the DNA test as a vital step in reconnecting individuals of African descent with their heritage. “Vini Jr. carries within him the desire to honour his roots. Like many of African descent, his ancestral history was erased by racism and slavery. Through this test, we traced his lineage to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon,” Paige said. She added that the discovery aligns with Vinícius’ ongoing advocacy for social justice, calling it an “act of resistance.”

Vinícius’ father shared his pride and joy, saying, “It’s important for us to know where we come from. Many Brazilians are unaware of their ancestry or heritage. I’m thrilled to learn that we have roots in Cameroon.”

To honour his heritage, Vinícius wore a unique jersey featuring both the Brazilian and Cameroonian flags during the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The match was a symbolic tribute to the enduring connections between Africa and Brazil, resonating with fans and players alike.

The ‘Roots of Gold’ campaign has been lauded as a powerful reminder of the historical ties between Africa and its diaspora, further highlighting the profound influence of Afro-Brazilian identity in sports and beyond.