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DR Congo kicked off their World Cup campaign with one of the most memorable results of the tournament so far: a 1-1 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. But the team was missing one of its key members: Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, better known as “Lumumba Vea.”
One of DR Congo’s most recognizable supporters, Lumumba has become an iconic fan figure thanks to his trademark match-day routine. He neither cheers nor celebrates. Instead, he stands completely still throughout the match, often with his arm in the air.
So why is he motionless like a statue? There is meaning behind Lumumba’s matchday actions (or lack thereof).
It is a tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first prime minister after its independence from Belgium in 1960.
Congolese supporter Michel Nkuka Mboladinga recreates the iconic pose of former Congolese prime minister and independence leader Patrice Lumumba to draw attention to his country’s history during the match. Lumumba was executed by Belgian soldiers on January 17, 1961, and the gesture reflects his memorial statue in Kinshasa. (Photo by Abu Adem Muhammed/Anadolu via Getty Images)
After missing the match against Portugal due to health and travel complications, Lumumba looks set to support DR Congo in person at Tuesday’s matchup against Colombia in Guadalajara, Mexico.
