Brazil and Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior has made a surprising discovery about his ancestry, with the revelation shedding light on his deep African heritage.
The attacker discovered his ancestral origins as part of a special campaign by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
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A DNA test, conducted in collaboration with African Ancestry, revealed that the forward's lineage traces back to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon.
The emotional revelation occurred on the pitch at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, moments before Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
The test results were kept secret from both Vini Jr. and his father, Vinicius Jose Paixao de Oliveira, until the ceremony.
Upon hearing the news, the 24-year-old expressed his joy.
"I didn't know; I'm seeing it now. But I'm very happy. Now it's time to win the game, let's go for it," he said per an official statement by the CBF.
His father added: "It's important for us to know where we come from. These are things that many Brazilians don't know about our ancestry. I'm happy—we're from Cameroon too."
As part of the Golden Roots campaign, the CBF aimed to honour Black Consciousness Day and the Afro-Brazilian players who have revolutionised Brazilian and global football.
CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues lauded the campaign, stating, "For us, Vini Jr. is not only the best footballer in the world today but also a beacon of strength and resilience. His story resonates with millions of Afro-Brazilians and inspires pride in our shared heritage."
Dr. Gina Paige, founder of African Ancestry, emphasised the significance of the discovery: "We are honoured to reveal Vini Jr. and his family's African roots, celebrating their resilience and greatness.
"Reconnecting with these origins is a powerful act of resistance and a testament to his commitment to social justice."
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