GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, renowned for his iconic portrayal as a living statue, made his much-anticipated FIFA World Cup debut on Tuesday, representing Congo DR.
Gaining fame during the Africa Cup of Nations, he captivated audiences by remaining still as a statue of the assassinated independence leader Patrice Lumumba throughout games. Mboladinga attended Congo DR’s match against Colombia after being sidelined for their opener against Portugal due to Ebola quarantine restrictions.
Known as Lumumba Vea for his striking resemblance to the late leader, Mboladinga arrived at Estadio Akron about an hour before the match dressed in a bright red jacket, tie, yellow shirt, and blue pants. As the match commenced, he took his position on a pedestal behind the Congo DR bench with his right arm raised, remaining perfectly still.
Although he declined an interview, Mboladinga acknowledged his joy at finally attending the World Cup with a nod and a smile.
Last week, Congo DR fought to a 1-1 draw against Portugal, but fell to Colombia 1-0 on Tuesday.
Mboladinga also missed Congo DR’s playoff match against Jamaica earlier this year, when his country secured a return to the World Cup after 52 years, due to visa issues. He had traveled through Kenya and Ethiopia in hopes of obtaining a visa for that game, also held in Guadalajara.
His portrayal as a living statue during the Africa Cup made him a social media sensation, permanently assuming the posture of Lumumba, right hand raised in defiance.
Patrice Lumumba was a significant figure in the fight against Belgian colonial rule in Congo DR. After serving as the country’s first prime minister following independence in 1960, he was tragically assassinated within a year amid conflict involving a Belgian-supported secessionist movement in the mineral-rich Katanga region.
Recently, a Belgian court ordered a 93-year-old former diplomat to stand trial for Lumumba’s assassination. Etienne Davignon, previously denying involvement, is now the last of ten Belgians suspected of complicity in the murder and has been charged with “participation in war crimes” regarding Lumumba’s “unlawful detention and transfer.”