Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, a prominent supporter of the DR Congo national soccer team, has garnered attention at the 2026 World Cup for his unique match-day tradition: standing still like a statue for the entire duration of games. Known as "Lumumba Vea," his motionless stance, often with an arm raised, is a deliberate homage to Patrice Lumumba, the Democratic Republic of Congo's first prime minister after its independence from Belgium in 1960.
Mboladinga's tribute mirrors the pose of a memorial statue of Patrice Lumumba located in Kinshasa. The former prime minister was executed by Belgian soldiers on January 17, 1961. Mboladinga's gesture aims to draw attention to his country's history and its struggle for independence.
Lumumba Vea missed DR Congo's opening World Cup match against Portugal, a game that ended in a 1-1 draw, due to health and travel complications. He was expected to attend the team's subsequent match against Colombia in Guadalajara, Mexico.