Congolese Motionless for 90 Minutes During DRC Congo Match in AFCON Draws Attention
Congolese Motionless for 90 Minutes During DRC Congo Match in AFCON Draws Attention
The “Standing Man” of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, a Congolese supporter who has captivated the world through sheer physical discipline.
While other fans scream, dance, and jump in the stands, Mboladinga remains frozen in time. His presence has transformed from a quirky stadium sight into a powerful symbol of national identity and endurance during the tournament in Morocco.
He is often referred to by his nickname, “Lumumba Vea,” a title that hints at the deep historical roots of his performance.
Dressed in a vibrant yellow blazer, a blue tie, and red trousers the colors of the DR Congo flag he positions himself on a small, makeshift pedestal. From the moment the opening whistle blows until the final seconds of injury time, he does not sit, cheer, or even flinch.
The inspiration for this act is Patrice Lumumba, the legendary Congolese independence leader and the nation’s first Prime Minister. Mboladinga’s rigid posture is a direct recreation of the iconic Lumumba statue located in the heart of Kinshasa.
By mimicking the statue’s raised right hand and stoic gaze, he brings a piece of Congolese history directly into the modern sporting arena.
The level of physical control required for this feat is staggering. In several matches, including high-tension knockout rounds, Mboladinga has reportedly remained motionless for over 115 minutes without breaking character. Even when the DR Congo “Leopards” score a goal and the stadium erupts in chaos around him, he maintains his salute, eyes fixed forward as if carved from stone.
Beyond the physical challenge, the “Standing Man” views his role as a spiritual and psychological pillar for the team. He has stated in interviews that his stillness is intended to project stability and strength to the players on the pitch. In his view, if he can remain unshakeable in the stands, the players can remain unshakeable against their opponents.
Social media has played a massive role in turning Mboladinga into a global icon. Clips of him standing perfectly still while the rest of the crowd blurred into a frenzy went viral on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). He has become the face of the “AFCON is a fever dream” trend, where fans celebrate the unique and often surreal cultural displays found at the tournament.
Interestingly, this isn’t Mboladinga’s first time performing this ritual, but the 2025 AFCON provided the perfect global stage. The high stakes of the tournament and the massive viewership allowed his message to reach far beyond the borders of Central Africa. He has since been approached by countless fans for photos, though he rarely breaks his pose to acknowledge them until the game is officially over.
The “Standing Man” also serves as a silent protest and a reminder of the ongoing struggles in the Eastern DR Congo. By standing tall and dignified, he draws attention to a nation that refuses to be broken despite decades of conflict. His silence speaks volumes about the resilience of the Congolese people, turning a football match into a platform for national pride.
In the broader context of AFCON history, Mboladinga joins a long list of “super-fans” who use costume and performance to support their teams. However, he stands out because his act is defined by omission rather than action. While others use noise and movement to get noticed, he has gained more attention by doing absolutely nothing at all, proving that stillness can be just as loud as a shout.
Ultimately, the Standing Man has become a mascot of sorts for the 2025 tournament. He represents the passion and the “beautifully chaotic” nature of African football, where the action in the stands is often just as compelling as the action on the grass. As DR Congo continues its journey, Mboladinga remains at his post, a living monument to his country’s past and its hope for the future.
