As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all 48 nations competing at the 2026 edition to capture their unique football culture, distilled into a single phrase. You can read the articles in one place here.Fimbu — The whip There is one fan of the Democratic Republic of Congo who you might already know about: Lumumba Vea. With one hand raised, holding a statuesque pose and wearing brightly-coloured suits, he stood out during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and went viral.He is a literal figurehead of football fandom in the country. “He has this special aura. He’s a proper statue,” says DR Congo fan Louis Mukoma.Vea’s real name is Michel Kuka Mboladinga. He is a former baker turned impersonator (or ‘animator’, as fans call him) who pays tribute to the country’s first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba.“He’s a symbol we love, he’s from the roots,” says fellow fan Chris Mantanta who, like Louis, is speaking to The Athletic via video call. “He’s on a pedestal and for him to be globally recognised, it helps us realise that we are something special. People know Congo.”Michel Kuka Mboladinga is DR Congo’s most famous fan (Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images)The real Lumumba helped lead the country away from Belgian colonial rule to becoming a new republic in 1960, prior to his assassination a year later.“Lumumba is a national hero and historical figure who paved the way for Pan-Africanism (an ideology of uniting African nations),” says Louis. “In the global South, beyond Africa, he is a key figure.”The appearance and actions of his impersonator at the tournament which concluded in January this year are intertwined with the psyche of Congolese people. First, the neat and vibrant clothing represent the cultural movement of La Sape, or Sapology, where dapper rules. “Sometimes even in dusty places in Congo, you see people wearing all white, without a spot on it,” explains Louis. “Lots of colours too, flashy.”It’s style, and stoicism.“He embodies a kind of resilience, waiting like that for 90 minutes, it’s crazy,” says Louis. “It also sums up the patience the fans have shown with every disappointment of the national team.”Footballing success, in differing guises, came a long time ago. Following Lumumba’s influence, they won AFCON twice, in 1968 as Congo-Kinshasa and 1974 as Zaire. The best showings in the continental tournament since then have been three semi-final defeats, in 1998 (the first since officially becoming DR Congo), 2015 and 2023.The nation’s sole appearance at a World Cup coincided with one of those AFCON wins. But in 1974 in West Germany, their appearance was summed up by one image: defender Mwepu Ilunga stepping out from a wall to kick away a Brazil free kick on the edge of the box. It was a confusing moment during a 3-0 defeat and there are varying accounts, including from Ilunga himself, about why he did what he did. They had previously lost group games 9-0 and 2-0, against Yugoslavia and Scotland respectively.