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Why DR Congo Fan Stood Completely Still During AFCON Matches

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A supporter of DR Congo remained completely motionless for the full 90 minutes of every one of their Africa Cup of Nations matches this year, and an explanation has now emerged behind the eccentric act. The image of Michel Nkuka Mboladinga standing like a statue throughout the entire tournament has certainly gone down in AFCON history.

Following Les Leopards’ 1-0 defeat to Algeria in the Round of 16 on Tuesday night, DR Congo have now been eliminated. However, this came only after they had already punched well above their weight – potentially still yet to become the first sub-Saharan country to ever qualify for the World Cup after a qualification win over Nigeria – they navigated an unbeaten run in their AFCON group. Along the way, they picked up wins against Benin and Zambia, before holding Senegal to a stalemate.

DR Congo have emerged as a growing force in football in recent years, but their promising performances on the pitch have been somewhat overshadowed by who can now only be described as their most famous fan. While his statue-like antics initially appeared to be nothing more than sheer eccentricity, there is, in fact, a deeper meaning behind them.

Michel Nkuka Mbodladinga: DR Congo’s Human Statue

dr congo

Much like the annual bets on the colour of the Gatorade at the Super Bowl, there should have been an option to gamble on what colour Mbodladinga’s suit would be in each of DR Congo’s AFCON matches at this year’s tournament.

During their 3-0 group stage victory over Botswana, television cameras quickly found him: dressed in a striking outfit reflecting the colors of his national team – red trousers, a blue tie, and a yellow blazer – the fan adopted a firm stance, with his right hand raised in a salute, and did not move an inch throughout the entire match. But in previous fixtures, he had been spotted wearing other colourful attires. See below:

When DR Congo finally bowed out of the tournament, his act came to a dramatic conclusion, as he lowered his right hand slowly to signal the end of the road for his beloved Leopards. He then appeared to prayer while remaining stood up. Watch below:

The image of his statue-like stance in the crowd also became so iconic that Algeria goalscorer Adil Boulbina received backlash for appearing to mock Mbodladinga with his celebration. See below:

The Deep Meaning Behind the Tribute

DR Congo

After the match, it emerged that the supporter was paying tribute to Patrice Lumumba, former prime minister of the Congo, assassinated in 1961 and one of the country’s most important historical figures.

His fight for genuine Congolese sovereignty against Belgian interference and Western interests made him a martyr for liberation movements, helping to curate the future DR Congo that stands strong today.

The gesture – silent yet forceful – went viral on social media and was quickly interpreted as a blend of symbolic protest, historical memory, and pure football passion, as explained by beIN Sports.

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Carrick Tells Man Utd Chiefs to Keep Amad Diallo After Sale Rumours

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Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has told the club he wants to keep one player after talk he could be sold this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

After sealing a return to the Champions League for the first time in three seasons, Man United chiefs need to give Carrick the squad he needs that will allow him to perform strongly in Europe’s elite club competition alongside the Premier League, following their third-place finish last term.

The Red Devils already have a full agreement to sign Ederson from Atalanta, with the Brazil international expected to complete his move to Old Trafford next month following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.

The addition of the 26-year-old is unlikely to be the club’s last piece of business in midfield, after they identified the position as the priority area to strengthen ahead of next summer.

At least one more addition is expected following the exit of Casemiro, with the club still in talks to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, although they face competition for the Portugal international’s signature from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

It could even be more than one after Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious injury while representing Uruguay in North America.

Romano: Carrick Wants Amad Diallo to Stay at Man United

Amad Diallo in action for Manchester United via Reuters

While Man United are looking to add players to their squad this summer, there will be departures to come too.

Amad Diallo has been linked with a move to AC Milan following Ruben Amorim’s appointment at the San Siro, with the Portuguese manager a big fan of the Ivory Coast international during his spell in charge at Old Trafford.

Speaking on his latest YouTube video, Romano has dismissed rumours that the 23-year-old could return to Serie A following a previous spell with Atalanta, with Carrick telling Red Devils chiefs that the winger is an important part of his plans.

He said: “We also had some rumours from Italy about Amad Diallo, that maybe he can go to Milan. The link with Ruben Amorim.

“Let me clarify one thing, Man United have been clear with Amad Diallo. Amad is not for sale this summer. Manchester United will not let Amad Diallo leave the club in the summer transfer window.

“So, if you see links about Amad, English clubs, Milan and more, Man United want to continue with him. Michael Carrick has confirmed his decision to the club, and so the direction is very clear. Amad Diallo is expected to stay at Manchester United.”

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Man United Looking at Left-Sided Winger Signing

Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026) via Reuters

Diallo plays from the right for United, but it is the opposite flank where they are considering making a signing this summer, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.

United have an appreciation for Morgan Rogers at Aston Villa, but Arsenal are considered favourites to sign the England international as things stand, while there have also been tentative links to other wingers like AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure.

Another interesting name mentioned alongside United is Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain, with an exit for the France international more likely if they sign RB Leizpig winger Yan Diomande ahead of Liverpool.

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Club in Pole Position to Sign Mateus Fernandes After Man Utd and Tottenham Talks

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Manchester United’s pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes has been well-documented over the course of the summer so far.

The Red Devils are looking to strengthen under Michael Carrick after the former United midfielder led the Premier League giants to a third-place finish in the top-flight last season.

It is no secret that midfield is one of United’s priority positions in the transfer market this summer following the departure of Casemiro. Additionally, Manuel Ugarte suffered knee ligament damage while playing for Uruguay in the World Cup.

Although not officially announced yet, the Red Devils have agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign midfielder Éderson but the capture of the Brazilian isn’t planned to be their only midfield addition this summer, with Fernandes still high on their priority list.

United leading the race for Fernandes

West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring vs Sunderland via Reuters

According to Football Transfers, United are currently leading the race to sign Fernandes, with Tottenham Hotspur one of their main rivals for the Portuguese’s signature.

It appears as though the Red Devils have now definitely missed out on a deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest with the England midfielder set for a move to Manchester City instead. Therefore, they will be increasing their efforts to get a deal for Fernandes over the line.


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The 21-year-old midfielder made 38 appearances across all competitions for West Ham last season, scoring four goals, and was one of the Hammers’ most impressive performers as they suffered relegation down to the Championship after a 14-year stay in the Premier League.

It was Fernandes’ second Premier League relegation, having been part of the Southampton team relegated the season prior. That was another example of the midfielder impressing in a struggling side.

United are a better option than Spurs

Michael Carrick

In terms of which option is currently the more enticing proposal between United and Spurs, the former’s ability to offer Champions League football should be a significant advantage.

There is still an element of the unknown as to what to expect from both teams this season under managers who came in mid-season last term. Carrick was initially interim manager but has since had his stay made permanent, while Roberto De Zerbi arrived at Tottenham in March and helped get them over the line in the battle for Premier League survival.

At 21, Fernandes still has plenty of room for improvement but after being one of the standout players in two struggling Premier League teams, the midfielder should get the opportunity to impress in a stronger team, as opposed to playing in the Championship next term.

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Sergio Perez Savages Cadillac After ‘Unacceptable’ Austrian GP Performance

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A Formula One driver has savaged his team over their nightmare performance at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday.

It was another fine weekend for Mercedes, as George Russell picked up his second victory of the season to reinvigorate his pursuit of teammate Kimi Antonelli at the top of the Drivers’ Championship.

The Brit was chased hard by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished second, with championship pacesetter Antonelli back in third. All three crossed the finishing line within seconds of each other at the Red Bull Ring as the race saw a tense conclusion.

However, while the race for victory went right the way until the end of the Grand Prix, one F1 team endured a dismal time in Austria, with one of their drivers publicly calling them out over the situation when speaking to the media on Sunday evening.

Struggling F1 Team Sees Both Drivers Exit Austrian Grand Prix Early

The Cadillac pairing of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas were both out of the race within four laps, with both cars suffering brake overheating problems.

It’s not the first team that the grid’s newest team has struggled for reliability in their debut season, either. Bottas was forced out of the Monaco Grand Prix three weeks ago, while Perez endured a suspension failure in Montreal.

The American constructor is the only team not to have picked up a point so far this season and Perez’s frustrations with his employers boiled over while speaking to Crash.net after the race.


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Perez, who finished as the world championship runner-up just three seasons ago at Red Bull, held nothing back as he discussed the current state of his car.

“We’ve been having issues all weekend. I think it’s been the worst weekend ever. It feels like we took four or five steps backwards. So there needs to be a massive process, thinking on how we’re doing things, especially when it comes to upgrades, because today what happened was totally unacceptable and very unfortunate as well for the team.”

Perez admitted that his anger was born out of a lack of general progress by his new side since the start of the season, but he expressed hope that the issues could be rectified before next weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

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Start of the race during the Race of Formula 1 Rolex Austrian Grand Prix 2026 Crdit: Alessio De Marco/Sipa USA

“The most frustrating thing is not to see progress. I think we always expected these things to occur to a new team, obviously, but I think the frustration comes from the lack of progress.

“So I’m sure that this upgrade will help us to understand a lot of those efficiencies, and I do expect a massive step forward in reliability going to Silverstone.”

Perez reportedly signed a multi-year agreement with Cadillac when he joined the team, but a report surfaced last month claimed that he was already considering tearing up his deal over performance concerns.

Cadillac were always realistic about their chances of success in their debut season being low, but few expected them to be without a point after eight rounds of the season. Team Principal Graeme Lowdon will be hoping that they turn the corner with their form as soon as possible, starting with a far stronger performance at the British Grand Prix this weekend.

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