TL;DR:
- Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) launches “Golden Roots” campaign to trace players’ ancestral origins, revealing Vinicius Junior’s roots from Cameroon’s Tikar tribe through DNA testing.
- The initiative, announced during Black Consciousness Day, aims to combat racism and celebrate Afro-Brazilian heritage in football through genetic tracking partnership with AfricanAncestry.com.
- CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues and Vini Jr.’s father attended the ceremony at Fonte Nova stadium, where a certificate was presented and findings were displayed on the big screen.
- The campaign represents CBF’s commitment to fighting racism and promoting inclusivity in Brazilian football while acknowledging the impact of slavery on obscuring African ancestral histories.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to trace the ancestral roots of national team players, with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior becoming the first participant in the “Golden Roots” campaign.
The CBF, in partnership with genetic tracking company AfricanAncestry.com, revealed on Tuesday that Vinicius Junior’s ancestors originated from the Tikar tribe in Cameroon. The announcement came during a special ceremony at Fonte Nova stadium ahead of Brazil’s match against Uruguay.
“Vini Jr. carries the desire to honor his roots. However, like many people of African descent, his ancestral history has been obscured by racism and the legacy of slavery,” stated Gina Paige, founder and president of AfricanAncestry.com.
The revelation holds particular significance as Vinicius Junior has emerged as a prominent voice against racism in football. Born in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, to a humble family, the 23-year-old forward has faced numerous incidents of racial discrimination throughout his career, both in Brazil and Spain.
Ednaldo Rodrigues, the first Black president of the CBF, emphasized the initiative’s broader implications: “Celebrating Vini Jr. means celebrating the achievements of all Brazilians. By understanding our origins, we reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive society, recognizing the essential role of Afro-Brazilian culture in our identity and success in world football.”
The ceremony included the presentation of a certificate to Vinicius Junior’s father, with the findings displayed on the stadium’s big screen during the players’ warm-up session.
This initiative aligns with the CBF’s recent strengthened stance against racism, including the implementation of new regulations that impose strict penalties for racial discrimination in Brazilian football, such as point deductions and stadium closures.
The “Golden Roots” campaign represents a significant step in acknowledging and celebrating the African heritage that has profoundly influenced Brazilian football, while also addressing the historical impact of racism and slavery on the nation’s cultural identity.
Source: AZS Core
