DNA test reveals Vinicius Jr’s origin in Africa

The Seleçao forward received an ancestry certificate revealing that his ancestors hailed from Cameroon
He received the document alongside his father and the president of the CBF, Endaldo Rodrigues

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) presented Vinicius Jr. with a certificate confirming his Cameroonian heritage before the kickoff of the match against Uruguay (1-1) on Tuesday.

Vinicius, aged 24, was uniquely honored before the start of the match that is part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Seleçao forward received an ancestry certificate revealing that his ancestors hailed from Cameroon, specifically from the Tikar ethnic group. This symbolic presentation is part of the “Raizes de Ouro” campaign, spearheaded by the CBF in collaboration with a genetic tracing company to determine the origins of its players.

As part of this initiative, the star underwent DNA tests that unveiled the African origins of his forebears. He received the document alongside his father and the president of the CBF, Endaldo Rodrigues.

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The official explained that the initiative aims to reaffirm “the commitment to the fight for an inclusive society in and global football.” “To celebrate Vini Jr. is to celebrate the success of all Brazilians,” he added. “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.” “Vini Jr. carries within him the desire to honor his roots,” added Gina Paige, founder and president of AfricanAncestry.com.

“However, like many individuals of African descent, his ancestral story has been erased by racism and the legacy of slavery. Through an 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.” The “Raizes de Ouro” campaign was highlighted during the warm-up for the match against Uruguay at the Fonte Nova stadium. The moment of the certificate presentation was broadcast on the giant screens of the venue.

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