Congolese fan Michel Koka Mboladinga has become one of the main symbols of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Morocco. For his worthy representation of the country, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo awarded him a Jeep. The award was presented by the Congolese Minister of Sport after the Leopards team was eliminated from the Round of 16 of the continental championship following a loss to Algeria in extra time. Mboladinga caught the attention of spectators with his silent and motionless stance in the stands, being compared to Patrice Lumumba, one of the leaders of the struggle for Congolese independence. Artist Mboladinga described his experience at the tournament as "amazing and confusing" in an interview. He stated that he cannot leave his hotel room due to crowds of people wanting to take pictures and interview him, considering this attention a source of pride for his country and creating a positive image of Congo everywhere he goes in Morocco. Mboladinga gained the sympathy of Algerians after he was moved to tears by his team's loss to the Desert Warriors. The Algerian Football Federation gifted him national team jerseys after striker Mohamed Amour mocked him and then apologized. The organizing committee of the Africa Cup of Nations also officially invited the Congolese fan to the final match, scheduled for January 18.
