DR Congo Superfan ‘Patrice Lumumba’ Lands Multimillion Endorsement Deal Days After Plum State Job

Congolese football fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga continues to reap big from his viral moments at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where he paid glowing tributes to the country’s first Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba.

Now, popularly known as ‘Patrice Lumumba,’ Mboladinga became an instant hit online when he stood motionless throughout DR Congo’s matches at AFCON 2025 until they bowed out at the Round of 16.

Clad in the national colours, be it blue, yellow or red, ‘Lumumba’ became the human embodiment of Congo’s historical struggle and collective aspiration. With his right arm raised in salute, he stood through every game until the Leopards were knocked out by Algeria in extra-time of their Round of 16 match.

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Since then, jobs have been coming for Mboladinga, starting with a €2,000 (Ksh302,580) per match offer to stay at AFCON until the final match, which he refused, before his country started honouring him.

When he arrived back home, the government rewarded him with a brand-new Jetour and soon after, he was announced as the country’s official sports brand ambassador.

While confirming his new role, DR Congo Sports Minister Didier Budimbu Ntubuanga said the job will come with perks such as a government vehicle, an office, and a house, underscoring the government’s belief in sport as a catalyst for national unity and peace.

Just days after, ‘Lumumba’ is now on the verge of signing a multimillion endorsement deal with one of the country’s biggest telecommunications firms.

According to multiple reports, Mboladinga was at ORANGE Mobile headquarters on Friday to finalise the deal that will see him appear in TV and online commercials as well as billboards, promoting the company’s products and services.