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France 24
France 24
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FRANCE 24

World Cup 2026: 'Living statue' of Lumumba joins DR Congo fans after quarantine

Patrice Lumumba World Cup Congo DR Congo Ebola the World Cup
DR Congo fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga pictured at the stadium in Guadalajara for the World Cup match against Colombia, on June 23, 2026.
DR Congo fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga pictured at the stadium in Guadalajara for the World Cup match against Colombia, on June 23, 2026. © Eloisa Sanchez, Reuters

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the Congolese supporter known for posing as the "living statue" of independence hero Patrice Lumumba, was finally able to join fans of the Leopards at the World Cup on Tuesday after missing the team's opener due to Ebola quarantine requirements.

Congo’s famous living statue finally made his World Cup debut on Tuesday.

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