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The findings were unveiled on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, during an emotional ceremony at Fonte Nova, just before Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
The event saw Vinícius receiving a certificate of heritage, joined by his father, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira, and CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues.
The initiative forms part of the CBF’s Roots of Gold campaign, aimed at celebrating the contributions and history of Afro-Brazilian culture, particularly within football.
“To celebrate Vini Jr. is to celebrate the success of all Brazilians,” said Rodrigues during the ceremony. “By knowing his origins, we reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive society, recognising the fundamental role of Afro-Brazilian culture in our identity and success in global football.”
Gina Paige, founder of AfricanAncestry.com, underscored the personal and societal impact of reconnecting African descendants with their roots.
“Vini Jr. carries within him the desire to honour his heritage. However, like many individuals of African descent, his ancestral story has been erased by racism and the legacy of slavery,” Paige noted.
“Through a DNA test, we discovered that Vini Jr.’s ancestors belong to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon. This reconnection is a powerful act of resistance, aligning with his advocacy for social justice both on and off the pitch.”
Vinícius’ father expressed his delight: “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.”
The moment was broadcast live on the stadium’s giant screens, receiving applause from the crowd.
To commemorate his roots, Vinícius wore a special jersey featuring the flags of Brazil and Cameroon during the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
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