Iconic DR Congo Super Fan Honored by Algeria After AFCON 2025 Tribute to Patrice Lumumba
Michel Kuka Mboladinga, the iconic supporter of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, drew widespread attention during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by embodying national hero Patrice Lumumba in the stands. Remaining motionless throughout DR Congo’s matches, with one arm raised, Mboladinga recreated the posture of the statue of Lumumba, the country’s first prime minister and a symbol of African independence and pan-Africanism. His silent, symbolic presence stood in stark contrast to the energetic Congolese supporters around him, captivating audiences across the continent.
Following Algeria’s 1–0 victory over DR Congo on Tuesday, Mboladinga was honored by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), which sought to dispel any controversy surrounding a celebratory gesture by Algerian forward Mohamed Amoura. The Congolese supporter publicly rejected attempts to politicize or misinterpret Amoura’s spontaneous celebration, stressing that it was neither intentional nor offensive. He underscored that relations between Congo and Algeria are “historical and deeply rooted,” founded on fraternity, respect, and shared struggles.
On Wednesday, the FAF sent its media officer, Saïd Fellak, to Casablanca to personally honor Mboladinga. He was presented with a jersey signed by Mohamed Amoura as well as another signed by the entire Algerian national team. Expressing his gratitude, Mboladinga said he was deeply honored by the gesture, calling it “a great privilege” to be recognized by the Algerian Football Federation.
Mboladinga also reiterated that Amoura’s gesture was purely emotional, reflecting the intensity of the moment rather than any intent to provoke. Amoura himself addressed the matter on January 7 in an Instagram story, apologizing and explaining that he was unaware of the symbolism in the stands at the time. “I simply wanted to celebrate in a good-natured way, without any intention of provoking anyone,” the Algerian striker said, adding that he respects DR Congo and wishes its national team success, including qualification for the World Cup.
By embodying Patrice Lumumba throughout the tournament, Michel Kuka Mboladinga transformed the stands into a space of historical memory and political symbolism. Lumumba, assassinated in 1961 with the involvement of several colonial powers, remains a towering figure of African resistance and unity. Mboladinga’s tribute not only honored that legacy but also reinforced the message of solidarity and mutual respect between African nations, even amid fierce competition on the pitch.
