DR Congo's 'Statue Fan' Lumumba Vea Makes World Cup Debut

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga

NEW DELHI: One of DR Congo's most famous football supporters finally got his moment at the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday. Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, better known as Lumumba Vea, attended DR Congo's match against Colombia after missing the team's opening game against Portugal because of Ebola-related quarantine requirements. The supporter became a global sensation during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he spent entire matches standing completely still like a statue. Dressed in colourful suits and holding one arm in the air, he quickly caught the attention of television cameras and football fans around the world. Ahead of the Colombia match at Estadio Akron, Mboladinga arrived early and took his place behind the DR Congo bench. Wearing a bright red jacket and tie, a yellow shirt and blue trousers, he once again transformed himself into a "living statue", standing 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 straightforward. 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 travelled to Kenya and Ethiopia in an attempt to obtain the necessary documents, but was unable to make it to the match. His appearance is a tribute to Patrice Lumumba, DR Congo's first Prime Minister and one of the country's most important historical figures. Lumumba played a key role in ending 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 clothing and still posture are all inspired by monuments and images of Lumumba, which is why he is widely known as Lumumba Vea. His unique support has made him one of the most recognisable fans in international football and a symbol of DR Congo's passion for the game. After missing the opening match against Portugal, many supporters were delighted to finally see the famous "statue fan" take his place in the stands at the World Cup.