DR CONGO’s most iconic fan made his return to the stands following his beloved team after being unable to attend their World Cup opener due to an Ebola quarantine.
Michel Kuka Mboladinga is known for following the national team in the outfit and pose of Patrice Lumumba – the first prime minister of the nation.
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DR Congo’s most iconic fan made his return to the stands for their match against Colombia Credit: AP
Michel Kuka Mboladinga stands perfectly still in tribute to the country’s first prime minister Credit: Getty
The viral fan often stands 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.
The star, who also goes by ‘Lumumba Vea,’ is making his first appearance in the stands to follow his country at the tournament after being unable to watch their opener against Portugal due to being forced to QUARANTINE.
DR Congo ended up stunning the European giants in a 1-1 draw, but Mboladinga had 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.
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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.
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Mboladinga was in great spirits ahead of the match Credit: Getty
He even had time to take pictures with rival fans Credit: Getty
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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.
He received a hero’s welcome to the stadium in Guadalajara Credit: EPA
