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A DNA test has confirms Vincius' African roots.
In a heartfelt ceremony at the Fonte Nova stadium, Real Madrid’s Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior uncovered his African lineage.
The revelation, timed to coincide with Black Consciousness Day, was the centrepiece of the Brazilian Football Confederation’s (CBF) Roots of Gold campaign.
A partnership with AfricanAncestry.com unveiled that Vinícius Jr.'s ancestors hailed from the Tikar tribe in Cameroon.
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The 24-year-old winger was presented with an official certificate detailing his newfound Cameroonian heritage, a poignant moment that was broadcast to fans prior to Brazil’s clash against Uruguay in the South American World Cup qualifiers.
To honour the occasion, Vini Jr. donned a customised jersey featuring the flags of Brazil and Cameroon, symbolising a deep connection to his ancestral roots.
“For us, Vini Jr. is not only an extraordinary footballer but also a beacon of resistance against racism and a global inspiration,” the CBF declared.
Vinicius’ Cameroonian ancestry unveiled
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Vinícius Júnior’s father, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira, was the only family member in on the surprise.
Fighting back tears, he reflected on the importance of reconnecting with their heritage: “Many Brazilians don’t know their ancestry. Knowing we’re from Cameroon too makes me proud.”
Gina Paige, founder of AfricanAncestry.com, hailed the discovery as a powerful symbol of resilience, stating, “Vinícius’s reconnection with his roots is an act of resistance against the erasure caused by racism and slavery.”
She said as per ge.globo:
"Vini Jr. has a deep desire to honor his roots. However, like many people of African descent, his ancestral history has been erased by racism and the legacy of slavery.
"Thanks to a DNA test with AfricanAncestry.com, a pioneer in paternal and maternal genetic ancestry tracing for black people around the world, we discovered that Vini Jr.’s ancestors come from the Tikar tribe in Cameroon ."
The Raízes de Ouro campaign has not only highlighted Vini Jr.'s personal journey but also reinforced football’s role in celebrating diversity and inclusivity in society.
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