Michel “Lumumba” Kuka Mboladinga, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s iconic superfan, has once again captured public attention—this time by trading his trademark statue-like stillness for spirited dance moves during an AFCON 2025 celebration in Morocco.
Mboladinga rose to international prominence earlier in the tournament after standing completely motionless throughout DR Congo’s group-stage matches. Dressed in a jacket and tie, he deliberately mirrored the famous statue of Patrice Lumumba in Kinshasa, paying homage to the country’s first Prime Minister. Lumumba led the nation to independence from Belgium in 1960 before his assassination in 1961. Mboladinga’s unwavering composure for the full 90 minutes of each match became one of the most striking images of AFCON 2025.
Bearing a strong resemblance to Lumumba, the devoted supporter maintained his rigid pose during DR Congo’s group-stage fixtures against Benin, Senegal and Botswana. His discipline and symbolism resonated deeply with fans across Africa and beyond, transforming him into a viral emblem of national pride and historical remembrance.
However, a new video circulating on social media has revealed a more relaxed and celebratory side of the celebrated fan. Filmed at a lively Congolese gathering in Morocco, the clip shows Mboladinga dancing enthusiastically in front of a professional Moroccan belly dancer as fellow supporters cheer, smile and raise their glasses. Clearly enjoying the moment, he joins the festivities while the performer, dressed in a sparkling purple costume, takes centre stage. A large screen displaying the DR Congo flag is visible in the background.
The video, humorously captioned to suggest that he had briefly “forgotten his mission,” has delighted fans online. Many have welcomed the moment as a reminder of the human side of the man whose endurance and solemn tribute defined much of DR Congo’s AFCON story.
As the Leopards prepare for a challenging Round-of-16 encounter against Algeria, supporters are relishing this light-hearted off-field moment. Mboladinga’s homage to Lumumba has already become a defining symbol of the tournament, representing respect, resilience and national identity.
He is expected to return to the stands when Sébastien Desabre’s side face an Algeria team led by the in-form Riyad Mahrez in the knockout stage. For now, fans are enjoying a rare glimpse of their beloved “living statue” letting loose and celebrating DR Congo’s progress at AFCON 2025.
Source: Yen.com.gh
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