DR Congo’s 90-minute ‘permanent superfan’ Michel Nkuka Mboladinga finally gets his World Cup moment

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, took part in DR Congo’s match against Colombia after missing the team’s opening match against Portugal due to Ebola-related quarantine requirements. The supporter became a global sensation during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where he spent entire matches completely still as a statue. Dressed in colorful suits and with one arm in the air, he quickly caught the attention of television cameras and football fans around the world.Ahead of Colombia’s match at Estadio Akron, Mboladinga arrived early and took his place behind the DR Congo bench. Dressed in a bright red jacket and tie, yellow shirt and blue trousers, he once again transformed 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 path to the tournament was not straightforward. Earlier this year, Mboladinga also missed the DR Congo World Cup play-off against Jamaica because he failed to secure his visa in time. He traveled to Kenya and Ethiopia in an attempt to obtain the necessary documents, but did not make it to the match.His appearance is a tribute to Patrick Lumumba, the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo 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, less than a year later, he was assassinated during political unrest linked to a separatist movement in the Katanga region.Mbolading’s raised arm, formal attire and still posture are inspired by monuments and images of Lumumba, and thus he is widely known as Lumumba Vea.His unique support has made him one of the most respected fans of 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.