© picture alliance/dpa | Marcus Brandt
The rumors had been circulating for days, but seeing him actually carry the torch had the effect of a sudden revelation. The American artist moved through the city center under a theatrical, artificial snowfall. He was greeted with applause, smartphones raised in the air and an enthusiasm that made the Lombard stage an event in itself.
In a white-fuchsia official outfit, Snoop Dogg made his way across the square with a relaxed gait. He greeted the crowd without relinquishing his trademark: the mirrored sunglasses. The scene was very reminiscent of Paris 2024, when his appearance with the torch flooded social media with memes. In Gallarate, too, a barely visible smile was enough to draw all the attention to himself.
From Paris to Milan-Cortina, a fixture of the Games
In recent years, Snoop Dogg has emerged as a recurring presence in the Olympic spectacle. After the media frenzy during the Summer Games, where he commented on the games as a special reporter for NBC, the rapper is once again a key player in the run-up to the Italian Winter Games.
And not only during the torch run: in the leading up to the games, he also appeared at the training sessions of Team USA's figure skaters, where he commented on Ilia Malinin's jumps and pirouettes, attracting attention far beyond the sports world. That too is part of the character: he knows how to turn every appearance into a viral occasion.
In short, it seems that the rapper has become something of an Olympic's mascot. A role he has already taken up in earnest, following competitions and training sessions without thus limiting himself to mere support. For Milan-Cortina 2026, he has already hinted at new surprise appearances, possibly in curling. In his own words, he would like to try the sport himself, with his usual sense of irony. Meanwhile, in Gallarate, the torch has been passed on once again. And with it, a taste of Olympics in a pop version.
(©GreenMe.it 2026 / Managing Editor: Selma Keshkire - The Press Junction /Picture: picture alliance/dpa | Marcus Brandt