DNA reveals Vinicius Jnr’s ancestors were from Cameroon

The Brizilian Football Confederation (CBF) has launched a campaign aimed at tracing the roots of national team players.

In collaboration with a genetic tracking company, the CBF conducted an event with Vinicius Junior on Tuesday, ahead of Brazil’s match against Uruguay, revealing that the forward’s ancestors hailed from Cameroon.

Ednaldo Rodrigues, the CBF president, spoke about the anti-racism initiative undertaken by the organization.

The campaign, titled “Golden Roots,” took place on the pitch at Fonte Nova during the players’ warm-up, attended by Ednaldo Rodrigues and Vini Jr.’s father, during which a certificate was presented and a video was displayed on the big screen.

“Vini Jr. carries the desire to honor his roots. However, like many people of African descent, his ancestral history has been obscured by racism and the legacy of slavery.

“Thanks to a DNA test with AfricanAncestry.com, a pioneer in genetic tracking of paternal and maternal ancestors for black individuals worldwide, we discovered that Vini Jr.’s ancestors come from the Tikar tribe in Cameroon”, said Gina Paige, founder and president of AfricanAncestry.com.

“We are honored to reveal the African roots of Vini Jr. and his family, celebrating his resilience and greatness despite the adversities.

“We believe that Vini’s reconnection with his African roots is a powerful act of resistance, aligned with his advocacy for social justice on and off the football field,” she added.

Ednaldo Rodrigues stated that the initiative aims to reaffirm the CBF’s commitment to fighting for an inclusive society in Brazil and in global football.

More about Vini

Born on July 12, 2000, in São Gonçalo, Brazil. His full name is Vinicius Jose Paixao de Oliveira Junior.

Vinicius’s parents, Tatiana Vinicius and José Paixao de Oliveira, played a pivotal role in nurturing his football talent.

His mother, Tatiana, was instrumental in supporting his football dreams, often accompanying him to futsal classes and providing emotional support.

José, his father, recognized Vinicius’s potential early on and introduced him to Flamengo’s youth academy in 2006, despite the family’s financial struggles.

Vinicius’s rise to prominence began at Flamengo before joining Real Madrid in 2018.

Currently, he dons the jersey number 7 for Real Madrid in La Liga, primarily playing as a left winger/forward.

His international career commenced with the Brazil U-20 team from 2018 to 2019, followed by his national team debut in 2019.

He participated in the 2019 Copa America and 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Throughout his illustrious career, Vinicius has accumulated numerous accolades.

He won La Liga titles in 2019-2020 and 2021-2022, the Champions League in 2021-2022, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2018 and 2022.

Additionally, he secured the UEFA Super Cup in 2022 and was named Brazilian Serie A Best Newcomer in 2017.

Beyond the pitch, Vinicius boasts an impressive social media presence, with over 40 million followers on Instagram (@viniciusjunior) and over 5 million followers on Twitter (@vinijr).

How do you know Cameroon?

Cameroon, located in Central Africa, is a country known for its rich cultural diversity and stunning natural beauty.

With over 250 ethnic groups and more than 600 languages spoken, Cameroon is a vibrant tapestry of traditions and customs.

The country’s diverse landscape ranges from pristine beaches along the Gulf of Guinea to dense rainforests, savannas, and mountains, including the iconic Mount Cameroon, an active volcano and the highest peak in West Africa.

Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé, and largest city, Douala, are hubs of economic and cultural activity, blending colonial architecture with modern infrastructure.

Cameroon has a complex history, having been colonized by Germany, then France and Britain after World War I.

The country gained independence in 1960 and has since navigated a tumultuous political landscape.

Despite facing challenges such as corruption, poverty, and conflict, Cameroon remains a significant player in regional affairs and boasts substantial natural resources, including oil, timber, and minerals.

The country’s economy is also driven by agriculture, with major crops like cocoa, coffee, and bananas.

Cameroon’s national football team, the Indomitable Lions, has won numerous African championships and participated in several World Cups, showcasing the nation’s passion for sports and resilience in the face of adversity.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook