- Lumumba Vea, real name Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, received a Jeep from the government.
- He stood motionless during every DR Congo match at AFCON 2025.
- Wore colourful suits in the national colours while fans cheered around him.
- DR Congo exited the tournament in the round of 16; he cried after the loss.
Back home in Kinshasa, Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, famously known as Lumumba Vea, received a remarkable gift from the government in early January 2026. Sports Minister Didier Budimbu presented him with a green Jeep Wrangler, with a special license plate reading “CADEAU DU PRÉSIDENT” – a token of appreciation for his dedication during the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. President Félix Tshisekedi plans to meet him personally soon.
Lumumba Vea became a household name during the tournament for his extraordinary support of the DR Congo Leopards.
Mboladinga earned his nickname because of his striking resemblance to Patrice Lumumba, DR Congo’s first prime minister and independence hero. During every full match, he would stand completely still on a small pedestal, arms raised in the exact pose of Lumumba’s Kinshasa statue, not blinking or moving for 90 minutes plus extra time.
He wore bright suits in the national colours – yellow, blue, and red – while fans danced and cheered around him. This act began in the group stage, where the Leopards drew with Senegal and defeated Benin and Botswana, finishing unbeaten.
Cameras captured him constantly, and social media erupted with clips. Fans from across Africa wanted photos, and local supporters protected him from large crowds. Even though DR Congo exited the tournament in the round of 16 against Algeria, Mboladinga’s dedication became one of the biggest stories of the event.
The knockout defeat came after extra time, with Adil Boulbina scoring the lone goal. Heartbroken, Lumumba Vea slowly lowered his arm and stepped down, crying as he watched the team leave the pitch.
During celebrations, Algerian player Mohamed Amoura mocked Lumumba Vea’s iconic pose, sparking outrage. The Algerian Football Federation apologised and invited him to Casablanca. There, he received a personalised Algeria jersey with “Lumumba” on the back, turning tension into respect.
Despite the loss, his story resonated widely. Standing still for 80–90 minutes symbolised pride, patience, and memory for Congolese fans, who see football as a brief escape from daily struggles and ongoing conflict in the east. The Leopards, last AFCON champions in 1974, inspired hope during the group stage, led by Coach Sébastien Desabre, though the knockout exit ended the dream.
Mboladinga trained extensively for the act, rehearsing 45–50 minutes at a time to build stamina. Morocco treated him as a VIP until the final, and although opportunities to remain for money arose, he chose to return home.
Upon his return, the government moved quickly to reward his devotion. Minister Budimbu handed him the Jeep Wrangler in a small ceremony, capturing images of the fan with the rugged vehicle. Many Congolese see it as a recognition of how his viral moments brought joy and positivity to the nation.
Fans online have praised him as a national hero, arguing his commitment showed more passion than some players. His story spread rapidly on X, Facebook, and news platforms, highlighting that AFCON is about more than winning trophies – it’s about passion, history, and unity.
President Tshisekedi’s planned meeting with Lumumba Vea adds further prestige, turning a 53-year-old artist and father into a symbol of national pride.
The AFCON tournament continues in Morocco, but Lumumba Vea’s stillness remains unforgettable. Through his tribute, he connected the nation’s history with modern fandom, proving that one devoted fan can inspire millions. DR Congo may not have lifted the cup, but they gained pride through a man who stood unwavering, from first whistle to last.
