Congolese fan “Lumumba Vea” arrives at the World Cup to cheer on the DRC against Colombia

The Congolese fan Michel Kuka Mboladinga, known as “Lumumba See”, He arrived in Guadalajara (Mexico) to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in their World Cup match against Colombia this Wednesday, after missing his team’s debut due to health restrictions due to the Ebola outbreak that affects his country.

The most famous fan of the Leopards, as the Congolese team is popularly known, published videos on his social networks about his arrival in Mexico late on Monday.

“Lumumba Vea” was unable to travel to the United States in time for the first match of the DRC tournament because US authorities were requiring a 21-day quarantine in a third country for certain travelers from countries affected by Ebola.

His absence drew attention in the stands during the Congolese team’s draw (1-1) against Portugal, especially after the popularity it achieved during the 2025 African Cup of Nations held in Morocco.

Mboladinga, 49 years old and a regular supporter of the Congolese team since 2013, became known for a way of cheering that was as unique as it was striking.

Dressed in a suit, colorful ties and glasses, he remains motionless during the ninety minutes of play with his right arm raised.

His posture reproduces the iconic image of the statue of Patrice Lumumba, leader of Congolese independence and the country’s first head of government after the end of Belgian colonial rule in 1960, in the mausoleum dedicated to the president in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa.

Lumumba was overthrown and executed in 1961, but remains one of the most revered figures in Congolese history.

While thousands of fans sing, jump and celebrate every play, “Lumumba Vea” remains motionless throughout the game, which is why many fans know him as the “human statue” of the DRC.

His image went around the world during the last African Cup and even caused controversy when the Algerian striker Mohamed Amoura mocked him after the Congolese elimination from the tournament.

The controversy even forced the Algerian Football Federation to make a public apology to the fan.

The team led by Sébastien Desabre faces the match against Colombia with one point in group K, after the draw against Portugal, and with the aim of getting closer to a historic qualification for the next round.

Among the fans who have traveled to accompany the Leopards in Guadalajara, one will stand out who, precisely, has become famous for not moving.