The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) unveiled the “Golden Roots” campaign, a tribute to Vinícius Jr., considered by many to be the best football player in the world today and a symbol of the fight against racism. The action highlights the star’s African origins, reaffirming the pride and history of the Afro-Brazilian people, especially in football.
Thanks to a DNA test carried out in partnership with AfricanAncestry.com, it was possible to identify Vini Jr.’s ancestry, which dates back to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon. The discovery was celebrated by Dr. Gina Paige, founder of AfricanAncestry.com, who stated: “Revealing Vini Jr.’s African roots is a great opportunity. It’s about celebrating your greatness and resilience, as well as connecting your personal journey to the fight for social justice.”
Among the campaign’s actions, Vini Jr.’s participation in a game in Salvador stands out, where he will wear a Brazilian team shirt with the flags of Brazil and Cameroon. Before the match, a film will be shown about Afro-descendant ancestry and black resistance in Brazil, with Vini as the protagonist. The production will be broadcast on Globo and social media in partnership with the Cameroon Football Federation.
Furthermore, the CBF headquarters, in Rio de Janeiro, will have a special exhibition with the photo of Vini Jr. next to the flags of both countries, accompanied by the message “United by the best star in the world.”
The president of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues, reinforced the cultural impact of the initiative: “Celebrating Vini Jr. is celebrating the contribution of the Afro-Brazilian people to our identity. This campaign goes beyond football, highlighting the essential role of Afro-descendant culture in our history and in the success of Brazilian football.”
With “Raízes de Ouro,” CBF seeks to inspire Brazilians of African descent to value their origins and reinforce the fight for a more inclusive society. The campaign is signed by the Nordx agency.
