NEW DELHI: One of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most famous football fans finally got his moment at the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday.Michel Ngcuka Mboladinga, known as Lumumba Via, attended the Democratic Republic of Congo’s match against Colombia after missing the team’s opening match against Portugal due to Ebola-related quarantine requirements.
The fan became a global sensation during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, spending entire matches standing just like a statue. Dressed in colorful suits and raising his arm in the air, he quickly caught the attention of television cameras and football fans around the world.Before the match against Colombia at Akron, Mboladinga arrived early and took his place behind the DR Congo bench. Wearing a bright red jacket, tie, yellow shirt and blue pants, he transformed himself back into a “Living statue”He stands motionless on the pedestal and raises his right arm.Although he did not speak to reporters, he smiled and nodded when asked if he was happy to finally be at the World Cup.His journey to the championship was not easy. Earlier this year, Mboladinga also missed DRC’s World Cup qualifier against Jamaica because he was unable to obtain a visa in time. He had traveled to Kenya and Ethiopia in an attempt to obtain the necessary documents, but was unable to attend the match.
His appearance is a tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and one of the country’s most important historical figures.
Lumumba played a major role in ending Belgian colonial rule in 1960 and became the leader of the newly independent country. However, he was assassinated less than a year later during political unrest associated with the separatist movement in the Katanga region.Mboladinga’s raised arm, formal clothing, and fixed posture were all inspired by monuments and images of Lumumba, which is why he is widely known as Lumumba Via.His unique support has made him one of the most popular fans in international football and a symbol of the DRC’s passion for the game.After missing the opening match against Portugal, many fans were happy to finally see the famous goal “Bust fan” He takes his place in the stands at the World Cup.