Power couple Ciara and Russell Wilson are among an increasing number of celebrities prioritizing becoming citizens of African countries.
While Grammy-winner Ciara was performing in Benin during the country’s annual Vodun Days festivities this month, her husband, NFL Giants quarterback Russell Wilson, was present to cheer her on. According to theGrio, the trip was the 37-year-old football star’s first visit to the West African, francophone destination. The publication reported that while in Benin, Wilson shared his plans to obtain his citizenship in the country, following his wife’s footsteps. Additionally, Wilson noted his intentions to return to Benin to teach children football. He also reportedly highlighted that he and Ciara’s children may one day also obtain their Beninese citizenship.
“Becoming a citizen here [in Benin], we’re really pumped up,” Wilson noted in a statement, per the Grio. “[Ciara is] already one, I get to become one. Maybe our kids one day will become one.”
“I’m gonna come back [to Benin] and teach the kids to play football, it’s gonna be a cool experience. So we got sports and music and entertainment here,” the athlete reportedly added. “It’s a blessing; we have so much fun. The food, the dancing, the whole experience — everybody’s been first class. It’s an honor to be a citizen here, hopefully, and real soon.”
What Else Is There To Know About Ciara And Russell Wilson’s Beninese Citizenships?
Ciara, 40, shared on Instagram last year that she received her Beninese citizenship on July 26, 2025 – a day on which she said “history was made.” In her post, the music industry veteran highlighted that the special date coincided with the annual United Nations International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent.
“I was honored to receive Beninese citizenship, becoming the first person in the world granted nationality under this new initiative!” Ciara said of the late July moment. “To be welcomed by His Excellency President Patrice Talon, the Office of Benin Tourism, and the beautiful people of Benin is a moment I will never forget.”
“Thank you Benin for opening your arms and your heart to me,” she added towards the post’s end.
Benin’s “My Afro Origins” program is a pathway to achieving Beninese citizenship. The program is a way for members of the Black diaspora to reconnect with their roots on the African continent. The country’s government details that applicants can be anyone who has “a sub-Saharan African ancestor who was deported from the African continent as part of the slave trade and the triangular trade.” Applicants must have genealogical proof, be 18 or older, and cannot already be nationals of other sub-Saharan African countries.
After acquiring a Certificate of Eligibility for Beninese Nationality, applicants will have three years to proceed with fully obtaining their Beninese citizenship.
