Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:
The Republic's national team enjoys Congo Democracy is supported by the notable support of the famous fan Michel Koka Mboladinga, nicknamed Lumumba Via, who is preparing to appear in the stands of the stadium for his team’s match against Colombia in the city of Guadalajara, today, Tuesday, as part of the World Cup competitions to cheer on Colombia, after his absence from the first match due to the quarantine for the “Ebola” virus.
Mbuladinga’s appearance highlights his unique style of cheering, having arrived late to the tournament. He is known for his symbolic performance that blends sport with historical and political dimensions, making him one of the most prominent and distinctive cheerleaders in the current edition of the tournament.
Lumumba Via is one of the most prominent figures supporting the Congolese national team.
Mbuladinga’s name emerged during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, later becoming one of the most prominent figures supporting the Congolese national team, especially in light of the team’s ambitions to continue its positive results, after its 1-1 draw in the opening match against Portugal in Houston.
The Congolese fan is known for wearing a formal outfit consisting of a jacket and tie inspired by the style of the country's first Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba, and he also adheres to standing in complete silence during matches, in a symbolic gesture to honor the historic leader who was assassinated in 1961.
It is called «Lumumba in the stands,» as it recreates a pose similar to that of the Lumumba statue in the capital, Kinshasa, in a scene that contrasts with the boisterous atmosphere of cheering inside the stadiums.
Mbuladinga had previously sparked widespread controversy during the Africa Cup of Nations, after an incident in which he mocked Algerian national team striker Mohamed Amoura following Congo's exit from the tournament, prompting the Algerian Football Federation to issue an official apology amidst significant interaction on social media platforms.
Mbuladinga's delayed arrival at the World Cup is a result of restrictions imposed on travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, amid the Ebola outbreak, which has seen more than 1,000 cases and hundreds of deaths.
Despite this, the Congolese fan continues his remarkable presence, becoming a different symbol of public support that combines sports with humanitarian and historical messages.
