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Rabat – At the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco, one supporter has stolen the spotlight from the players.
Michel Koka Mboladinga, a fan of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has become a sensation in the stands by paying tribute to independence leader Patrice Lumumba in a striking way.
“LUMUMBA”
At the ongoing #AFCON2025, Michel Kuka Mboladinga has gone viral for performing as a human statue, maintaining a silent, motionless presence throughout #DRCongo’s matches. pic.twitter.com/ZYg10QBaFm
— Olúwashínà Okeleji (@oluwashina) December 31, 2025
Koka attends every DR Congo match, whether in Rabat or Tangier, and remains completely motionless throughout the game.
Dressed in a suit, glasses, and a neat hairstyle, he raises his arm in the same pose as Patrice Lumumba’s statue in Kinshasa.
For 90 minutes, and even longer when matches go into stoppage time, he stands still, embodying a “living monument” to the man who symbolized Africa’s fight against colonialism.
Lumumba, born in 1925 and assassinated in 1961, was the first prime minister of Congo and a leading voice for African dignity and freedom.
By recreating his image, Koka says he intends to keep that legacy alive inside football stadiums, turning the terraces into a stage for history. His act has gone viral, with broadcasters and photographers focusing on him as much as the action on the pitch.
Koka explained in an interview with SNRT that his goal is to remind people of Lumumba’s values and to honor his memory in front of thousands of fans. He also praised the warm welcome Congolese supporters have received in Morocco, pointing out the respect and hospitality shown in host cities.
As DR Congo advanced from the group stage, Koka’s presence has become a symbol of resilience and pride.
His silent tribute has made him among the most famous fans of AFCON 2025, proving that football is not only about goals and victories, but also about identity, memory, and shared culture.
