Photo: Race Pictures

Valentino Rossi steals the show in 2026 Winter Olympics with unexpected role to play

19:30, 07 Feb

byAndrew McLarney

One of MotoGP's most successful and beloved icons, "The Doctor" Valentino Rossi, was honoured again on the international stage when he cameod as part of the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

As is common with Olympic opening ceremonies these days, the host country often celebrates the stars of its past and present and Italy has done the same.

Milan is playing host to the 2026 winter games, which feature a variety of exciting sports such as skiing, skating, snowboarding, bobsleigh and ice hockey.

Much like the 2024 summer Olympics in Paris, which featured french football legend Zinedine Zidane taking a ride through the Paris Metro, this year Italy did something similar with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

In a pre-recorded video, the President arrived at the games in a traditional Milano tram driven by none other than Valentino Rossi himself. The honour was a great nod towards Rossi's skills and career, as well as his position now as a vintage artifact of Italian sporting history.

It was an emotional moment for many Italian fans looking on, who will undoubtedly miss seeing The Doctor gracing their screens these days.

This follows on from the recognition of both Pecco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi, who were each given the honour of carrying the Olympic torch on its way to light the opening of the games.

Though he might not be on the track himself this season, Rossi has been optimistic and ambitious regarding his VR46 project. The MotoGP team headed by Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Gianantonio had one of their most successful seasons in the premier class last year, finishing 3rd in the overall team standings by the end of the year.