Congo's 'living statue' fan Lumumba Vea finally appears at World Cup, but Colombia spoils the party
Michel Kuka Mboladinga, known as Lumumba Vea, stood motionless for 90 minutes as DR Congo lost 1-0 to Colombia in Guadalajara, after missing the opener due to Ebola quarantine.
A unique tribute
Michel Kuka Mboladinga, 49, dresses in a jacket and tie in the colours of the DR Congo flag and stands completely still on a small platform, right arm raised, for the entire match. The pose mimics a statue of Patrice Lumumba, the country's first prime minister who was assassinated in 1961. He has performed this ritual since 2013, but gained global attention during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Quarantine delay
Mboladinga missed DR Congo's opening 1-1 draw with Portugal in Houston because of a 21-day quarantine imposed on travellers from the DR Congo due to an Ebola outbreak. Sports minister Didier Mudimbu said a sanitary bubble was set up in Brussels, where the team played its final warm-up match. After completing quarantine, Mboladinga and other fans flew to Mexico, arriving the day before the Colombia game.
Match in Guadalajara
On Tuesday at Estadio Akron, he took his usual spot behind the DR Congo bench. Despite his motionless support, the Leopards fell 1-0 to Colombia. Daniel Muñoz scored the only goal in the 76th minute, securing Colombia's place in the round of 32 as Group K leaders with six points. DR Congo remain on one point, ahead of Uzbekistan on zero.
- Colombia
- 6 points
- Portugal
- 4 points
- DR Congo
- 1 points
- Uzbekistan
- 0 points
Group K picture
Colombia top the group with six points, followed by Portugal (four), DR Congo (one) and Uzbekistan (zero). The final group matches on 27 June see Colombia face Portugal in Miami and DR Congo take on Uzbekistan in Atlanta.
Why he does it
He told the Wall Street Journal.I stand still because I believe it gives the team emotional endurance.
His costs at the World Cup are covered by the state, and he received help with visa formalities.Just as Lumumba sacrificed his life for our country, my sacrifice is a small price I am happy to pay because this team means so much to me.
