African family got another member! None other than Vinicius Junior! Yes, you read it right – one of the best players in today’s football, Real Madrid and Brazil’s star, and the runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d’Or race has African – precisely Cameroonian – roots, as it was confirmed ahead of Selecao’s match against Uruguay in the South American FIFA World Cup qualifiers last night.Vinicius Junior is of Cameroonian descent.He received a DNA certificate confirming that his ancestors are from Cameroon. pic.twitter.com/To8WzRgLmy— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) November 20, 2024 Namely, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and AfricanAncestry.com organized a campaign called “Raizes de Ouro,” whose goal is to determine the origins of Brazilian players. Vini underwent DNA testing, and the results showed that his ancestors were from Cameroon and specifically belonged to the Tikar ethnic group.Vini is sure: “We’re on the right track”The 24-year-old forward received the DNA certificate before last night’s game alongside his father and the President of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues, who highlighted the campaign’s significance.”To celebrate Vini Jr. is to celebrate the success of all Brazilians. By knowing his origins, we reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive society, recognizing the fundamental role of Afro-Brazilian culture in our identity and our success in global football,” said Rodrigues via FootBoom.##NAJAVA_MECA_8512045##Gina Paige, the founder and President of the AfricanAncestry.com, called Vinicius’ reunion with his African origins an “act of resistance.””Vini Jr. carries within him the desire to honor his roots. 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 are honored to reveal the African roots of Vini Jr. and his family, celebrating their resilience and greatness despite adversity. 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,” Paige added.Former Real coach criticizes Vinicius Jr.Finally, the player’s father, Vinicius Jose Paixao de Oliveira, was happy with the revelation, emphasizing the importance of knowing your roots.”It’s important for us to know where we come from. Many Brazilians don’t know their ancestry or heritage. I’m happy we are from Cameroon, too,” Vini’s father stated via Punch.
