Congo DR’s famous ‘Living Statue’ fan finally makes World Cup debut

A famous Congo DR football supporter known as the “Living Statue” finally attended his country’s FIFA World Cup match on Tuesday.

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, popularly called Lumumba Vea, became famous during the Africa Cup of Nations for standing still like a statue throughout matches.

He dresses like Congo DR’s late independence leader, Patrice Lumumba, and remains motionless while supporting his team.

The supporter missed Congo DR’s opening World Cup match against Portugal because he had to comply with Ebola-related quarantine requirements. However, he was present for the team’s second game against Colombia at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Before the match, Nkuka Mboladinga arrived wearing a bright red jacket and tie, a yellow shirt, and blue trousers. Once the game started, he stood on a pedestal behind the Congo DR bench with his right arm raised, maintaining his famous statue pose.

Although he declined interviews, he smiled and nodded when asked if he was happy to finally attend a World Cup match.

Congo DR drew 1-1 with Portugal in their opening game but suffered a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in their second group match.

This was not the first time the popular supporter faced travel difficulties. Earlier this year, he missed Congo DR’s World Cup playoff victory over Jamaica, which secured the country’s first World Cup appearance in 52 years. He was unable to obtain a visa in time despite travelling to Kenya and Ethiopia in an effort to complete the process.

Nkuka Mboladinga gained international attention during the Africa Cup of Nations because of his unique way of supporting the team. His statue-like pose and resemblance to Patrice Lumumba made him a social media sensation and one of the tournament’s most recognizable fans.

Patrice Lumumba played a major role in ending Belgian colonial rule in Congo in 1960 and became the country’s first prime minister after independence.

He was later assassinated during political unrest less than a year after taking office.

Lumumba remains a respected national figure in Congo DR, and Nkuka Mboladinga’s tribute has made him a beloved symbol among the country’s football supporters.