Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian football sensation and Real Madrid forward, has made a groundbreaking discovery about his ancestry.

Through a DNA test conducted by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in collaboration with (link unavailable), Vinicius Junior found out that his roots trace back to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon.

This revelation was made public on November 19, 2024, at Fonte Nova Stadium, during the warm-up session for Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Vinicius Junior was presented with an official certificate detailing his ancestry before the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The DNA test was part of the CBF’s “Roots of Gold” campaign, an initiative designed to celebrate the rich heritage and history of Afro-Brazilian communities, particularly their contributions to football.

Vinicius Junior expressed his emotional connection to his newfound heritage, saying, “Discovering that my roots are in Cameroon is a very special moment for me and my family. It reminds me that, despite the challenges, our origins and our history count for a lot.

To honor his ancestral heritage, Vinicius Junior wore a special jersey featuring both the Brazilian and Cameroonian flags during the match against Uruguay.

This powerful act of self-discovery and cultural connection highlights the importance of exploring one’s roots and embracing their heritage.