The Inspiring Story of Michel Nkuka Mboladinga: DR Congo's Living Statue at the FIFA World Cup
A Unique Fan Experience at the FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is renowned for its thrilling narratives of teams and players overcoming challenges, but one fan from DR Congo has captured attention despite the team's draw against Portugal, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo. Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as the 'living statue,' remains perfectly still in the stands, creating the illusion of an idol rather than a living person. Throughout Congo's matches, he maintains a frozen stance with his right hand raised for the entire 90 minutes, gaining internet fame after going viral during the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, dressed in vibrant suits.
The Inspiration Behind the Living Statue
The Story Behind The Living Statue
Affectionately called 'Lumumba Vea' by fans, Michel's presence pays homage to the late Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba. His pose mirrors that of Lumumba's statue in Kinshasa. Lumumba was the first prime minister of an independent Congo in 1960 and played a pivotal role in the nation's independence movement from Belgian colonial rule. Tragically, he was assassinated in 1961, a death that has sparked significant controversy, with allegations of foreign involvement. In 2002, Belgium's foreign ministry acknowledged 'moral responsibility' for Lumumba's death, and in 2022, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo apologized to Lumumba's family and returned his gold-capped tooth, the only remnant of his remains. Michel expressed to the Wall Street Journal, “I stand motionless because I believe it gives the team emotional stamina. Just as Lumumba sacrificed his life for our country, mine is a small price to pay because of how deeply I care about this team.”
The Art of Standing Still
How Does He Stand Motionless For 90 Minutes?
Michel disclosed that maintaining his position for the full match duration is no simple feat; he has been training for over 20 months. He practices daily but also ensures he gets ample rest, claiming that weather conditions do not affect him. “Believe it or not, but I do practice. I can actually practice 20 days out of a month, but I’ll also take a lot of rest. I am a living statue. The climate has no impact on me. My job is not just to stand there, but rather to communicate energy, strength and power to the players. That is what I am focusing on. I do not foresee a time when I’m actually going to let go and lower my hand – I will get my job done,” he told CNN Sports.
Challenges Faced by the Living Statue
Forced To Miss Historic Portugal Clash
Unfortunately, Michel was absent from the stands during Congo's historic 1-1 draw against Portugal due to quarantine restrictions related to the Ebola outbreak in Congo. The players advocated for his inclusion in the official delegation, even appealing to President Félix Tshisekedi. Earlier this year, he also missed a World Cup qualifier in Jamaica, where the team secured their spot in the World Cup after 52 years, due to visa complications. However, he made his World Cup debut during Congo's second match against Colombia, which ended in a 1-0 loss. Michel is anticipated to be present for the upcoming match against Uzbekistan on June 27, where a win would mark the team's first advancement to the knockout stage in their history.