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The Democratic Republic of Congo have finally found the iconic figure leading their passionate following: Michel Kuka Mboladinga.

After a remarkable draw against Portugal, DR Congo continued their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a clash against Colombia in Guadalajara on Tuesday.

Among the sea of supporters sat Mboladinga, who had missed the opening fixture due to a delayed arrival at the tournament. His presence brought a distinctive flair to the Congolese fan base.

Mboladinga first gained attention during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where his unique style of support made him a fan favourite and a symbol of national pride.

Dressed impeccably in a suit and tie to mirror the appearance of Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mboladinga maintains a motionless stance in homage to the leader, who was executed by firing squad in 1961.

Nicknamed ‘Lumumba Vea’ for his tribute, Mboladinga raises his arm in the same manner as the statue of Lumumba in Kinshasa, presenting a figure of solemn dignity amidst the lively and exuberant singing of the surrounding Congolese fans.

During the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Mboladinga had become a widely recognised figure, even drawing the attention of opposing supporters. The Algerian Football Federation later issued an apology after forward Mohamed Amoura mocked Mboladinga following Algeria’s elimination of DR Congo from the tournament, sparking widespread criticism on social media.

Mboladinga’s journey to the World Cup was hindered by travel restrictions placed on visitors from the DR Congo due to an Ebola outbreak in the country, which had infected over 1,000 people and caused 254 fatalities. His eventual arrival was therefore met with widespread celebration among Congolese fans in Mexico.