TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Returning to the World Cup after 52 years, DR Congo drew 1-1 with Portugal. But as much as the scoreboard, Cristiano Ronaldo, and the nation's long-awaited return captured attention, many fans also caught up to the absence of the famous Congo super fan.
Named Michel Kuka Mboladinga, he's known for his statue-like portrayal of the country's revolutionary leader and first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba—hence his nickname, Lumumba Vea. More than simply posing, the iconic Congo super fan dresses like the national hero and maintains the stance with his right arm raised throughout the matches he attends.
According to CBS Sports, Vea's gesture serves as a tribute to Lumumba and his dedication to Congo.
As his popularity grew, DR Congo came to recognize Vea as a symbol of national pride and unity. That status eventually led to his inclusion in the country's official delegation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to The Sporting News.
But that only made his absence from DR Congo's World Cup opener against Portugal more noticeable.
The reason behind his absence remains unclear, with sources such as USA Today reporting that he was in quarantine due to an Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, while Yahoo! Sports pointed to issues surrounding the start date of his visa.
Regardless, Vea is expected to return for the match against Uzbekistan later in the group stage.
Read: World Cup Prediction: Will South Korea Silence Mexico's Home Crowd?
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