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Meet 'Lumumba Vea', the Democratic Republic of Congo fan who stands still during matches

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as 'Lumumba Vea', stands still during DR Congo's matches to honor the country's prime minister, Patrice Lumumba. His unique support has made him a symbol of the national team, especially after going viral during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga is not a Democratic Republic of Congo fan like many others: during the 2026 World Cup, he will be easily recognizable by his immobile stance. Known as "Lumumba Vea", the supporter stands out for his gesture of standing on a pedestal during the match against Colombia on Tuesday. The reason that drives him to this behavior is profound: "I stay put because I think it gives the team emotional resistance," he told the Wall Street Journal. “Just as Lumumba sacrificed his life for our country, my gesture is a small price to pay for the love I have for this team.”

Mboladinga, 49, posing as a statue with his hand raised during Democratic Republic of Congo matches, pays homage to the country's prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, who was assassinated in 1961. "He is the one who gave us the freedom to express ourselves," Nkuka Mboladinga said of the Congolese leader. "He sacrificed his life for us, to give us freedom. He is a hero for us, Lumumba is a spirit for us, he is a role model for us."


Wearing clothes in his country's colours, Nkuka Mboladinga has become a symbol of the national team, especially after his tradition of standing still went viral during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, when Les Léopards reached the round of 16. He stands still while those around him dance, sing and cheer during games. His presence is so important that the fans convinced president Félix Tshisekedi to include him in the team's official delegation for the World Cup.

Due to the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, the team and staff were forced to isolate in Belgium before flying to Houston for their opening match, a 1-1 draw against Portugal. However, Nkuka Mboladinga arrived too late to join the team in Houston, but finally landed in Guadalajara on Monday, in time for Tuesday's match against Colombia. This is the Democratic Republic of Congo's second participation in a World Cup and the first since 1974, when the country was known as Zaire. After Tuesday's match, they will finish the group stage on Saturday against Uzbekistan, continuing their quest for a place in the elimination stage.

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