In honor of Black Consciousness Day, CBF reveals Vinicius’s Cameroonian ancestry

In honor of Black Consciousness Day, Vinicius Jr. a DNA test showed that he has ancestors from Cameroon.

In honor of Black Consciousness Day, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) has revealed the origins of Vinicius Júnior, one of Brazil's top athletes. The ceremony detailing the attacker's DNA test took place on Tuesday (November 19) in Fonte Nova, ahead of the match against Uruguay in the 12th round of the South American qualifiers.

Working with AfricanAncestry.com, a company that traces the genetic ancestry of black individuals worldwide, CBF discovered that Vini Jr.'s ancestors were part of the Tikar tribe in Cameroon. This initiative is part of the 'Roots of Gold' campaign, which highlights the pride and history of the Afro-Brazilian community, especially in football.

“For us, Vini Jr. is not only the best footballer in the world today, but also a symbol of resistance against racism and a global source of inspiration,” the organization said.

The attacker's father, Vinicius José Paixão de Oliveira, was the only one aware of the tribute: “It is important for us to know where we come from. Many Brazilians actually don't know their origins and our heritage. But I am happy, we are also from Cameroon.”

Vini Jr. stepped onto the pitch for the match against Uruguay in a special shirt with the flags of Brazil and Cameroon.