Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, widely known as “Lumumba Vea” for posing as a living statue of DR Congo independence leader Patrice Lumumba, attends the Leopards’ FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Colombia. Multiple outlets describe him as standing completely motionless for long periods, wearing attire associated with Lumumba and holding a hand-raised pose as fans and media have documented since his Africa Cup of Nations appearances.
Coverage also notes that he was not present for DR Congo’s World Cup opener. Reported reasons differ by outlet: France 24 and Vanguard cite Ebola-related quarantine requirements that kept him away, while Times of India also refers to a visa-related setback. Despite missing the first match, he is allowed to join the team for the second group fixture in Tuesday’s Colombia clash, where he is described as an unofficial “12th man” and a recognizable symbol of the squad’s support.
The accounts consistently present him as a fan who became a social media sensation by replicating Lumumba’s statue-like figure during matches, and whose appearance at the tournament draws attention both from supporters and broader football audiences.
