In just a few days, he established himself as the face of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, without appearing on the pitch or even making a single gesture. Congolese fan Michel Kuka Mboladinga attracts cameras around the world by standing still during entire matches with his hand outstretched, in homage to the iconic salute of former Democratic Republic of Congo Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, a man he calls “grandfather” because of family ties, according to Michel’s manager, Congolese journalist Grévy Tambwe.
Because yes, the 49-year-old man, like his distant ancestor from the Congolese province of Sankuru, has employed a manager since June 2025 to accompany him on his travels. This inveterate fan of the AS Vita Club in Kinshasa has been used to performing this motionless performance since 2013. The supporter dressed in costumes in the colors of the DRC is now also accompanied during matches by a communications officer and three bodyguards responsible for managing requests from the media and supporters, which reached an unprecedented scale during this CAN.
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