NEW DELHI: One of DR Congo’s most famous football supporters finally got his moment at the FIFA World Cup on tuesdayMichel Nkuka Mboladinga, better known as Lumumba Vea, attended DR Congo’s match against Colombia after missing the team’s opening game against Portugal due to Ebola-related quarantine requirements.The supporter became a global sensation during the 2025 African Cup of Nations, where he spent entire matches as still as a statue. Dressed in colorful clothes and holding one arm in the air, he quickly attracted the attention of television cameras and soccer fans around the world.Before the Colombia match at Estadio Akron, Mboladinga arrived first and took his place behind the RD Congo bench. Dressed in a bright red jacket and tie, a yellow shirt and blue trousers, he again turned into a “living statue”, motionless on a pedestal with his right arm raised.Although he did not speak to reporters, he smiled and nodded when asked if he was happy to finally be at the World Cup.His journey to the tournament has not been simple. Earlier this year, Mboladinga also missed DR Congo’s World Cup playoff against Jamaica because he could not secure a visa in time. He had traveled to Kenya and Ethiopia in an attempt to obtain the necessary documents, but was unable to attend the match.His appearance is a tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the DR Congo and one of the most important historical figures of the country.
Lumumba played a key role in the end of Belgian colonial rule in 1960 and became the leader of the newly independent nation. However, he was assassinated less than a year later during political unrest linked to a separatist movement in the Katanga region.Mboladinga’s raised arm, formal dress and firm posture are all inspired by Lumumba’s monuments and images, which is why he is widely known as Lumumba Vea.His unique support has made him one of the most recognizable fans in international football and a symbol of DR Congo’s passion for the game.After missing the opening game against Portugal, many supporters were delighted to finally see the famous ‘statue fan’ take his place in the stands at the World Cup.
