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DR Congo’s most famous football supporter, Michel Kuka Mboladinga, popularly known as “Lumumba Vea,” made an emotional return to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after completing a 21-day Ebola-related quarantine that forced him to miss the Leopards’ opening Group K match. Renowned for dressing as Congo’s first Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba, and standing motionless with his arm raised during matches, Mboladinga has become one of African football’s most recognisable fan figures.
The celebrated supporter rejoined the Congolese delegation in Guadalajara and was present for DR Congo’s second group-stage clash against Colombia, posing for photographs with fans before taking his customary place in the stands. His return came after health authorities imposed mandatory isolation measures following Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, the fairytale comeback did not produce the desired result on the pitch, as DR Congo suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia. Defender Daniel Muñoz scored the decisive goal through a deflected effort, helping Colombia secure qualification for the World Cup knockout stage while leaving the Leopards with work to do in their quest to advance.
