As part of a campaign for inclusion and tolerance, the Cameroonian origins of Brazilian star Vinicius Jr were revealed last night.
On the sidelines of the Seleçao’s draw against Uruguay last night in Salvador de Bahia, as part of the qualifiers for the
World Cup 2026the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) took the original initiative of revealing the origins of one of its stars, Vinicius Jr.
In partnership with a genetic tracing company, the CBF launched the “Raizes de Ouro” (“Golden Roots”) campaign to promote inclusion and tolerance – with the help of a player particularly committed to fight against racism.
During the warm-up, in a sequence relayed on the stadium’s giant screens and captured by the cameras for the purposes of an upcoming documentary, Vinicius Jr received a certificate of ancestry revealing his Cameroonian origins, and more precisely Tikar ethnic group.
“For an inclusive society in Brazil and in world football”
Present during the ceremony, the president of the CBF, Endaldo Rodrigues, wanted to reaffirm the commitment of his confederation “ in the fight for an inclusive society in Brazil and in world football ». « Celebrating Vini Jr is celebrating the success of all Brazilians. By knowing its origins, we reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive society, recognizing the fundamental role of Afro-Brazilian culture in our identity and our success in world football. »
« Through a DNA test, we discovered that Vini Jr’s ancestors come from the Tikar tribe in Cameroon. We are honored to reveal the African roots of Vini Jr and his family, celebrating their tenacity and greatness despite adversity », says Gina Paige, founder and president of African Ancestry.
**How does the CBF’s “Raizes de Ouro” campaign challenge existing narratives about Brazilian national identity, and what are the potential implications for racial discourse in the country?**
## World Today News Exclusive: Vinicius Jr’s Heritage and Football’s Fight for Inclusivity
**Welcome back to World Today News. Tonight, we’re joined by two incredible guests to discuss the unique and powerful initiative launched last night by the Brazilian Football Confederation. Joining us are Dr. Maria Santos, a leading expert on Afro-Brazilian history and culture, and Tiago Silva, a sports journalist specializing in Brazilian football. Welcome to both of you.**
**Part 1: Unveiling Heritage - A Symbol of Unity?**
* **Dr. Santos, the CBF’s “Raizes de Ouro” campaign presented Vinicius Jr’s Cameroonian origins to the world. How significant is this gesture in the context of Brazil’s history and the ongoing conversation about race and identity?**
* **Tiago, how has the Brazilian public and the football community reacted to this revelation? Does this initiative resonate with fans, or are there concerns about its intentions?**
* **Dr. Santos, beyond this specific instance, what are the potential long-term impacts of openly acknowledging and celebrating the African heritage of Brazilian football icons like Vinicius Jr?**
**Part 2: The Power of Sport – A Platform for Social Change?**
* **Tiago, Vinicius Jr. has been vocal about facing racism in football. Do you believe this initiative will contribute to meaningful change in combating racism within the sport, or is it more symbolic?**
* **Dr. Santos, how can sport be utilized effectively as a tool for promoting inclusivity and challenging discriminatory attitudes in society at large?**
* **Tiago, with the World Cup 2026 on the horizon, how might this campaign influence Brazil’s image and the broader conversation about diversity and representation on the global stage?**
**Part 3: Looking Ahead – The Future of Inclusivity in Football**
* **Dr. Santos, what other steps can football institutions, like the CBF, take to promote a more inclusive and equitable environment for players of all backgrounds?**
* **Tiago, what role can media and journalism play in amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for positive change within the world of football?**
* **It’s clear this is only the beginning. What conversations and actions would you both like to see sparked by the CBF’s “Raizes de Ouro” campaign moving forward?**
**Thank you so much, Dr. Santos and Tiago Silva, for sharing your insights with us. We hope this conversation encourages viewers to reflect on the importance of representation, inclusion, and the power of sport to drive positive change.**
