Congolese fan pays tribute during World Cup matches in 2026
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 3:30 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Michael Mboladinga, a devoted fan of DR Congo, is gaining attention for his tribute to national hero Patrice Lumumba. Traveling with the team to the World Cup, Mboladinga previously garnered fame at the 2025 AFCON for standing statue-still during matches. He symbolizes DR Congo's historic return to the World Cup after 52 years. His unwavering support has resonated widely, turning him into a national figure. His journey amid the ongoing Ebola crisis further highlights the significance of football in connecting a nation to its past.
- •Mboladinga stands to honor Lumumba's legacy during World Cup matches.
- •He became renowned at AFCON for his statue-like pose.
- •DR Congo returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
- •Mboladinga's tribute emphasizes the intersection of soccer and national identity.
- •Despite challenges, he traveled to support the national team.
- 3:42 PMCBS Sports — World Cup 2026: Why DR Congo superfan Michel Mboladinga dresses as a Lumumba statue for 90 minutes
- 3:30 PMCBS Sports — Why a DR Congo fan stands for 90 Minutes: The story behind Michael Mboladinga's tribute to a national hero
"The Congolese fan went viral during the last edition of the AFCON and has now travelled to the World Cup
"The Congolese fan went viral during the last edition of the AFCON and has now travelled to the World Cup
Sources
External links- CBS SportsJun 17, 2026, 3:42 PMWorld Cup 2026: Why DR Congo superfan Michel Mboladinga dresses as a Lumumba statue for 90 minutes
The Congolese fan went viral during the last edition of the AFCON and has now travelled to the World Cup
- CBS SportsJun 17, 2026, 3:30 PMWhy a DR Congo fan stands for 90 Minutes: The story behind Michael Mboladinga's tribute to a national hero
The Congolese fan went viral during the last edition of the AFCON and has now travelled to the World Cup
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