Vinicius Jr., the star of Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, was honored prior to the recent Brazil vs. Uruguay game at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador in a ceremony that was full of emotion and meaning. As part of the *Golden Roots* campaign, the player was given a certificate attesting to his African ancestry, specifically from the Tikar tribe of Cameroon. On Black Consciousness Day, this project seeks to honor Brazil’s Afro-descendant past and emphasize its influence on sports and culture.
.
Vinicius’s ancestry was discovered by DNA testing, which led to the recognition. The player was moved and proud to have found this link to Cameroon. It’s critical to understand our origins. Learning more about our past makes me joyful,” said his father, who also shared the joy of the moment.Â
Vinicius is descended from the Tikar tribe, which is well-known for its extensive history and for having settled in the Cameroonian grasslands of Bamenda. Local agricultural output and the preservation of customs like blacksmithing, a craft unique to their community, have been greatly aided by this organization. The Tikar were one of the most powerful ethnic groups in the area as a result of a dynastic confrontation in the former Mbum kingdom, according to historical chronicles.
Along with the certificate, the *Golden Roots* campaign has big intentions, like making a movie about African heritage in Brazil, in which Vinicius plays the lead role. In addition to demonstrating the player’s dedication to combating racism, this gesture emphasizes how crucial it is to acknowledge and value the variety that enhances both society and sports.
Vinicius, who has shown himself to be a model player both on and off the field, gave a motivational speech to end the event: “Now it’s time to win the match!” In addition to motivating football fans, his story deepens Brazil’s ties to its African history, which continues to influence the nation’s cultural identity.
