Who is the DR Congo superfan?
Short overview
Michel Kuka Mboladinga, known as Lumumba Vea or the 'living statue', is a DR Congo superfan famous for imitating a statue during matches. He missed the opening World Cup game due to Ebola quarantine but is now in Mexico for the Colombia match.
Michel Kuka Mboladinga, better known as Lumumba Vea or the 'living statue', has become one of the most recognisable spectators at the 2026 World Cup. The DR Congo superfan has gained widespread recognition for his ability to remain completely motionless throughout matches, mimicking a statue while dressed in a suit that often incorporates the colours of the DR Congo flag.
Iconic Pose and Nickname
Mboladinga's signature pose—standing still with one arm raised—recreates the stance of the Lumumba statue in Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo. That statue honours Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of the First Congolese Republic in 1960, which inspired Mboladinga's nickname 'Lumumba Vea'. He has been attending games in this manner since 2013, but his fame grew significantly during the Africa Cup of Nations held from December 2025 to January 2026.
World Cup Journey
Mboladinga was unable to attend DR Congo's opening World Cup match due to a mandatory quarantine imposed because of the Ebola outbreak in the country. However, he has since been pictured in Mexico in good spirits ahead of the second group-stage match against Colombia, which kicks off on Wednesday morning at 03:00 BST.
His distinctive look and unwavering dedication have made him a beloved figure among fans both at home and globally. This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team, which invites readers to send in their questions.
More on these topics
Five Players to Watch as Al Ahli Face Auckland FC in FIFA
Al Ahli host Auckland FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026 opener on 26 August. FIFA highlights five key players, including an English striker with 42 goals last season and a Japanese captain anchoring Auckland's defense.
Uefa set to drop Fifa boycott threat after assurances
Uefa is expected to lift its threat of boycotting Fifa competitions after receiving assurances that plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors will not be revived. The decision, to be discussed at Thursday's executive committee meeting, would allow the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland to proceed.
Wafcon 2026: Cameroon's Upset Victory Signals Shift in African
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations saw Cameroon claim their first title with upset wins over Nigeria and Morocco, while Malawi reached the final. Experts discuss what this changing of the guard means for the sport's future.
FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026: Auckland FC face Al Ahli in opener
The third edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup begins in August with Auckland FC facing Al Ahli. Five continental champions will compete for the title, with Paris Saint-Germain defending their crown. The final is set for a centralized venue later this year.
