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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Greg Evans

The historical meaning behind DR Congo’s living statue superfan

Congo DR Congo Patrice Lumumba Felix Tshisekedi World Cup Football the Africa Cup of Nations FIFA World Cup Houston Portugal
  • Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the DR Congo football supporter who became a viral sensation during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for his silent tribute to Patrice Lumumba , is set to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • His attendance at the tournament was confirmed after his United States visa issue was successfully resolved , clearing his path to enter the host nation.
  • The Congolese Football Federation will fully sponsor Mboladinga's entire World Cup trip, covering his travel, accommodation, and attendance at DR Congo's matches. This decision reportedly originated from a request made by the DR Congo players themselves and was subsequently approved by federation president Felix Tshisekedi.
  • Mboladinga gained viral fame during the Africa Cup of Nations for wearing his nation's colours and posing completely still, with his hand raised, in tribute Congo’s assassinated independence hero and first prime minister Patrice Lumumba.
  • He is now expected to replicate his statue-like pose during DR Congo’s games at the tournament, which begin on Wednesday against Portugal in Houston.
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