Michel Kuka at AFCON 2025
At the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Michel Kuka became one of the most talked-about figures of the tournament — even though he wasn’t a player.
He stood completely still throughout entire matches, imitating Lumumba’s statue with his arm raised toward the sky.
His quiet presence caught the
attention of cameras and social media, often appearing on screens more
than some players
🇨🇩 Many Congolese fans and
observers saw his act as a
powerful display of national pride, remembrance, and hope for peace in
his country.
During the round of 16 match between
DR Congo and Algeria, the Leopards were eliminated 1–0 after extra time, but Kuka’s image remained
one of the most memorable scenes of the tournament.
- His stillness is a tribute to Patrice Lumumba, a key
independence leader killed in 1961 — whose statue stands in Kinshasa. The
gesture bridges history,
football, and collective memory, showing how sport can spotlight
deeper cultural identities.
- Many commentators call
him AFCON 2025’s most
unforgettable supporter — proving that sometimes a quiet act
speaks louder than cheers.