Africa: Year 2025 is about to end, yet it still not keeping itself behind from surprising us. A fan of DR Congo soccer team stood motionless during the entire match, which was played against Senegal on Saturday, Dec 27, 2025.
The fan, popularly known as ‘Lumumba’ stood motionless in the stands for the entire match at AFCON, mirroring a statue of the independence leaders of the country.
He reflected himself as Patrice Lumumba who was killed just after few days of taking over the office. It’s been 65 years, but his leadership and teachings remain with its people as it has left a great impact on them.
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) match between DR Congo and Senegal was played at Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier which remained draw.
Fan of DR Congo team resembled the statue of Patrice Lumumba who was first Prime Minister of the independent Congo (now as DR Congo) and is a key independence hero. He exists globally as tributes, notably in the Democratic Republic Congo capital Kinshasa, Mali’s capital Bamako in Lumumba Square.
A temporary statue also exists in Brussels, that sparks historical debate and often depicts him in his signature suit. The male fan also appeared wearing blue suit with white shirt and blue tie.
A DR Congo fan known as ‘Lumumba’ stood motionless in the stands for the entire match against Senegal at AFCON on Saturday, mirroring a statue of the country’s independence leader. pic.twitter.com/YjbPuXNh7C
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 29, 2025
Lumumba represented his fight against colonialism and vision for African unity, though many memorials remain unfinished or contested, reflecting ongoing historical reckoning.
The statue honour Lumumba as a national hero, a symbol of Congolese unity, and a Pan-African icon who fought for liberation from Belgian colonial rule. Statues, including one erected by Laurent Kabila, overlook the city, though some memorials that remain incomplete. Lumumba Square features a life-size statue in a central plaza.
Often depicted in his recognizable suit with an angular, distinct style, sometimes with a folk-art quality. Considering his ongoing legacy; efforts like the Lumumba Monument Project aim to build significant tributes, while fans emulate his “statue pose” at football matches, showing his enduring cultural impact.