This DRC Football Fan Who Become An Icon For Posing As The Country’s Hero At Its Matches Has Also Done It At The World Cup
Mboladinga does not cheer or wave his country's flag but instead stands completely motionless with one hand raised, imitating a statue of Lumumba.
This Congolese football super fan who became an icon for posing in every Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) match as a statue of former prime minister Patrice Lumumba has traveled to the World Cup to support the DRC’s national football team.
Lumumba played a key role in the DRC’s independence from Belgium and is a symbol of African resistance.
He became the country’s first prime minister after its independence but was assassinated in 1961 after a few months in office.
53-year-old Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who is known as “Lumumba” for dressing up as the former leader, first drew attention for standing completely still for more than 90 minutes during DRC’s AFCON matches in Morocco.
Mboladinga does not cheer or wave his country's flag but instead stands completely motionless with one hand raised, imitating a statue of Lumumba.
He was set to travel to the US to cheer on the DRC’s opening match against Portugal in Houston, US, which ended in a 1-1 draw, but he missed the match due to delays in securing his travel visa.
On Tuesday, June 23, Mbolandinga attended DRC’s second match in the World Cup against Colombia in Zapopán, México, making his World Cup debut.
He wore a bright red jacket and yellow shirt while he stood motionless for nearly the entire match.
Congo lost 1-0 to Colombia, and its next match against Uzbekistan on Saturday, June 27, could decide whether the team advances to the Round of 32.
Sofia Hou
