Online Reporter
DR CONGO’s most iconic fan made his World Cup debut after being forced to miss the African nation’s opener due to an Ebola quarantine.
Michel Kuka Mboladinga is known for following his heroes in the outfit and pose of Patrice Lumumba – the country’s beloved first prime minister.
The viral fan is known for standing perfectly still for the entirety of the match with his right arm raised, mimicking a statue of the political figure that stands in the Congolese capital Kinshasa.
Mboldinga, who also goes by ‘Lumumba Vea’, missed DR Congo‘s stunning 1-1 draw with tournament heavyweights Portugal last week. He had d to follow the game remotely after undergoing a 21-day quarantine following outbreaks of Ebola in his home country.
But he has now re-joined the national team’s delegation following his isolation, after having his travel sponsored by the Congolese Football Federation due to his popularity with the players.
He was spotted smiling amongst his fellow fans at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, before taking his usual spot for kick-off.
He was quickly back to his best, silently supporting his nation from the stands as a raucous fanbase rallied behind him during a goalless first half.
Mboladinga poses in honour of Lumumba, who was assassinated in 1961, as a “sign of peace” for his homeland. The sharply-dressed supporter has been doing so at games since 2013. But he really gained traction in early 2026 after going viral while following the side in Morocco for Afcon.
The cameras at the competition were fascinated by his stoic support, which has since become a staple appreciated by the players and fans around the globe.
His fame clearly even extends to Colombia, with rival fans coming over to take pictures with Mboladinga during the half-time break. And he was more than happy to pose with the fans, bringing his message of peace across continents.
Unfortunately, it was not to be for his beloved DR Congo side, who battled but ultimately fell to a 1-0 defeat after a deflected effort from Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz found its way into the bottom right corner.
The result put Colombia in pole position in the group, with the chance to pip Portugal to the top spot should they manage a draw or better in their clash later this week. – Sun
