A Congolese football fan has gone viral after holding a striking “Lumumba” pose for at least 115 minutes during an AFCON 2025 group-stage match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal.
In widely shared videos on social media, the man identified as Kuka Muladinga was seen captured motionless throughout the match, imitating the famous statue of Patrice Lumumba, the DRC’s first prime minister.
Dressed in a blue suit, white shirt and blue tie, he raised one arm high, closely mirroring the iconic image of the late Congolese leader.
According to Al Jazeera, the fan, who has appeared at different matches wearing various suits, has since been nicknamed “Lumumba” due to his resemblance to the historical figure.
A DR Congo fan stands for 90 minutes at all their games in honour of Patrice Lumumba at AFCON 2025.
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) December 31, 2025
He has become a celebrity in Morocco during the AFCON. pic.twitter.com/WHZMDau1hZ
Patrice Lumumba remains one of Africa’s most influential independence leaders.
He is remembered for his fierce opposition to colonial rule and his vision of a united Congo where citizens could benefit from the country’s vast resources.
Though his time in office was brief, his ideals of national unity, African pride and self-determination continue to resonate decades after his death.
The fan’s statuesque display sparked mixed reactions online.
One X user joked that he might be using a hidden support structure, while another wrote, “DRC needs to make it to the World Cup so we can get Lumumba across the pond!”
Others paid tribute to the fallen leader, with one simply posting, “Long live Lumumba.”
AFCON 2025, currently underway in Morocco, is nearing the end of its group stage.
Teams such as Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt and Senegal have already secured qualification for the knockout rounds, while others, including the Ivory Coast and Cameroon, are battling to advance.
Beyond the football, the tournament has evolved into a vibrant cultural showcase, with fans using fashion, symbolism and social media to express African pride.