Lumumba Vea joins DR Congo fans for World Cup match against Colombia
ESPN Soccer • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 8:00 AM
Last updated Jun 23, 2026
Lumumba Vea, known as the DR Congo 'Statue Guy', is attending the Leopards' second group-stage match against Colombia on June 23, 2026, in Zapopan, Mexico. Despite travel restrictions preventing him from the opening match against Portugal, he has secured his visa and protocols to join other supporters. Vea, a long-time supporter of the national team, gained fame during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, becoming a cult figure for his distinct pose and colorful suits that pay homage to Patrice Lumumba, the country's first prime minister.
- •Lumumba Vea is also known as Michel Nkuka Mboladinga.
- •He honors Patrice Lumumba by standing throughout matches.
- •Vea missed DR Congo's opener due to Ebola-related travel restrictions.
- •DR Congo's match against Colombia is on June 23, 2026.
- •Vea has supported the national team for over a decade.
- 8:38 AMESPN Soccer — Congo DR 'statue' fan finally makes it to World Cu...
- 2:18 AMYahoo Sports — Congo fan who stands as living statue of independence leader Lumumba makes it to World Cup
- 10:07 AMYahoo Sports — Who is DR Congo fan standing like a statue at World Cup? Meet Lumumba Vea
- 8:00 AMYahoo Sports — Who is the DR Congo Statue Guy? Meet Lumumba Vea, the Leopards superfan always standing for World Cup matches
"Congo’s famous living statue finally made his World Cup debut on Tuesday. Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who gained fame during the Africa Cup of Nations for posing as a statue of Congo’s assassinated independence leader Patrice Lumumba for the entirety of games, attended Congo's match against Colombia after missing its opener against Portugal because of Ebola quarantine requirements. Lumumba Vea, as the sharply dressed supporter is known for his resemblance to the slain leader, was at his seat about an hour before the game at Estadio Akron.
"Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who gained fame during the Africa Cup of Nations for posing as a statue of Congo's assassinated independence leader Patrice Lumumba for the entirety of games, attended Congo's match against Colombia on Tuesday.
"The Democratic Republic of Congo's most famous supporter has become a global sensation thanks to his statue-like pose and eye-catching suits.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJun 24, 2026, 8:38 AMCongo DR 'statue' fan finally makes it to World Cu...
Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who gained fame during the Africa Cup of Nations for posing as a statue of Congo's assassinated independence leader Patrice Lumumba for the entirety of games, attended Congo's match against Colombia on Tuesday.
- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 2:18 AMCongo fan who stands as living statue of independence leader Lumumba makes it to World Cup
Congo’s famous living statue finally made his World Cup debut on Tuesday. Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who gained fame during the Africa Cup of Nations for posing as a statue of Congo’s assassinated independence leader Patrice Lumumba for the entirety of games, attended Congo's match against Colombia after missing its opener against Portugal because of Ebola quarantine requirements. Lumumba Vea, as the sharply dressed supporter is known for his resemblance to the slain leader, was at his seat about an hour before the game at Estadio Akron.
- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 10:07 AMWho is DR Congo fan standing like a statue at World Cup? Meet Lumumba Vea
DR Congo superfan Lumumba Vea is ready for the World Cup, making his first appearance as he stands like a statue for his team's matches.
- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 8:00 AMWho is the DR Congo Statue Guy? Meet Lumumba Vea, the Leopards superfan always standing for World Cup matches
The Democratic Republic of Congo's most famous supporter has become a global sensation thanks to his statue-like pose and eye-catching suits.
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