local
‘I am a living statue’: How DR Congo’s most famous soccer fan is keeping Patrice Lumumba’s legacy alive
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 24, 2026
· 7 min read
By Emile Nuh, CNN
(CNN) — The Democratic Republic of Congo’s opening World Cup match against Portugal was a historic occasion.
Not only was the nation making just its second-ever appearance at the tournament – and first since 1974 when it was still known as Zaire – but Yoane Wissa’s towering ...
Key takeaway The pose is a tribute to Patrice Émery Lumumba, Congo’s first prime minister after it gained independence from Belgium in June 1960 – and someone to whom Mboladinga bears a striking resemblance.
Why this matters in The El Paso
As El Pasoans celebrate the rich cultural heritage of their community, the story of Michel Kuka Mboladinga, also known as "Lumumba Vea," serves as a reminder of the power of sports to transcend borders and connect people to their history. In a city with a strong sense of national pride and a diverse population, the legacy of Patrice Lumumba, a symbol of Congolese nationalism, resonates deeply. For El Paso 's own international community, Mboladinga's tribute to Lumumba through his matchday ritual is a testament to the enduring impact of leaders who fought for freedom and unity. As the city continues to grow and evolve, stories like Mboladinga's highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage and honoring the figures who shaped the course of history. El Paso's own cultural festivals and events, which celebrate the city's unique blend of Mexican and American influences, can learn from Mboladinga's example, incorporating tributes to local heroes and historical figures to foster a sense of community and shared identity.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 7 min
Get more The El Paso stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Emile Nuh, CNN
(CNN) — The Democratic Republic of Congo’s opening World Cup match against Portugal was a historic occasion.
Not only was the nation making just its second-ever appearance at the tournament – and first since 1974 when it was still known as Zaire – but Yoane Wissa’s towering ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter