Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. could soon be visiting Cameroon, thanks to an invitation from MMA champion Francis Ngannou.
The connection was sparked after Vinicius received a certificate of ancestry confirming his roots trace back to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon.
Ngannou wasted no time in extending a warm invitation. Taking to Instagram, the former UFC heavyweight champion shared a photo of himself wearing an Indomitable Lions jersey, personalized with Vinicius Jr.’s name.
Accompanying the post, Ngannou wrote: “Brother, we are impatiently waiting for you at home.”
The ancestry certificate was presented to Vinicius Jr. during an initiative celebrating Brazilians’ contributions to promoting inclusivity in society and football worldwide. This recognition underscores the cultural and historical ties between Brazil and Africa, given the deep African heritage of many Brazilians.
Should Vinicius accept the invitation, it would be a significant cultural moment, strengthening the bond between Africa and its diaspora. Fans in Cameroon would undoubtedly welcome the Brazilian winger with open arms, celebrating his shared heritage and global success.
This potential visit could also highlight the unity and interconnectedness of football and sports in bridging cultural divides.