An immortal idea: When a sport brings a martyr to life

It was just another group match in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the outskirts of Guadalajara, Mexico, where Colombia and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were fighting out to be better poised to come out of their groups. Stakes were low, and the atmosphere normal for a World Cup match. But one man stood out, a living statue. By then most of the footballing world had heard about him and his quiet and literally still demonstration. Dressed in bright colours, hair combed clean, and holding a serious expression behind the glasses meant to bring out a resemblance, Michel Kuka Mboladinga stood on a makeshift podium for the whole duration of the match, his right hand stretched out and his eyes fixed to the sky. Some would find it difficult to figure out the posture, but for the people of DRC, Mr. Mboladinga’s act is just another reminder of their most revered leader: Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first elected Prime Minister who was assassinated seven months into its independence.