19 June,2026 08:51 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Michael Nkuka Mboladinga AKA Lumumba Vea during the Africa Cup of Nations. Pic/AFP
As the Democratic Republic of Congo participates in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in 52 years, one Congo fan is sure to stand out because he literally stands like a statue throughout the match.
Lumumba Vea, whose real name is Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, became famous by standing completely still with one arm raised throughout Congo's matches during the recent Africa Cup of Nations.
Dressed in a colourful suit, he resembles the country's first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, who led them to independence from Belgium in 1960 and was assassinated a year later.
Given Vea's growing reputation, the country's leadership decided to send him to the World Cup to support the team. However, he could not attend Congo's opening game against Portugal as he was in quarantine due to the Ebola outbreak back home. But he will surely be present for their second fixture against Uzbekistan on Sunday (June 28), and Congo's supporters will be hoping he can inspire the team to victory and qualify for the next round.
