Vinicius Jr. was presented with a certificate confirming his Cameroonian heritage before Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), in collaboration with AfricanAncestry.com, revealed the forward’s roots in the Tikar ethnic group, emphasizing inclusivity and Afro-Brazilian culture in global football.
According to a report from Adejayan Gbenga Gsong on November 20, 2024, Brazilian footballer Vinicius Jr. received a certificate confirming his Cameroonian heritage before Brazil's 1-1 draw against Uruguay in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) presented Vinicius with the certificate as part of the “Raizes de Ouro” campaign, a collaboration with a genetic tracing company to explore players' ancestral origins.
The 24-year-old forward underwent DNA testing that revealed his ancestral roots in Cameroon, specifically from the Tikar ethnic group. This symbolic gesture was part of a broader effort to highlight the importance of Afro-Brazilian culture and its contribution to Brazil’s success in global football. During the ceremony, Vinicius was joined by his father and CBF President Endaldo Rodrigues, who emphasized the campaign's goal to promote inclusivity and celebrate the diverse cultural identity of Brazil.
Gina Paige, founder of AfricanAncestry.com, described the discovery as a powerful act of resistance, given that many individuals of African descent, including Vinicius, have had their ancestral stories erased due to racism and the legacy of slavery. The certificate presentation was broadcast at the Fonte Nova stadium during the match's warm-up, further highlighting the significance of this moment for Vinicius Jr. and his advocacy for social justice both on and off the pitch.
