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Milan Today
By the People, for the People
Shaquille O'Neal Brings 20 Pairs of Underwear to Milan for 2026 Winter Olympics
The retired NBA star shares his first two days in Italy, including eating pizza, visiting FAO Schwartz, and being recognized by fans.
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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Shaquille O'Neal, the retired NBA star, arrived in Milan, Italy on Sunday to help launch Lilly's Team USA Athlete Recovery Program alongside Winter Olympians Madison Chock and Erin Jackson. O'Neal says he overpacked for the trip, bringing 20 pairs of underwear and 20 tank tops, along with other clothes. On his first day, O'Neal visited the Olympic Village, the FAO Schwartz toy store, and enjoyed pizza and pasta around the city. He was also surprised to be recognized by Italian fans, some as young as 9 or 10 years old. While O'Neal is not cut out for most Winter Olympic events, he's looking forward to watching figure skating and hockey during his time in Milan.
Why it matters
As a gold medalist from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Shaquille O'Neal's involvement in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan helps bring star power and attention to the games. His partnership with Lilly to promote the Team USA Athlete Recovery Program also highlights the importance of physical and mental wellbeing for elite athletes.
The details
O'Neal says he overpacked for his trip, bringing 20 pairs of underwear, 20 tank tops, 5 extra in case he works out, 5 pairs of jeans, and about 20 red Lilly tops. On his first day, he visited the Olympic Village, met athletes like Erin Jackson and Madison Chock, stopped by the FAO Schwartz toy store, and enjoyed pizza, pasta, and bar hopping around Milan. O'Neal was surprised to be recognized by Italian fans, some as young as 9 or 10 years old, during his walks around the city.
- O'Neal touched down in Italy on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
- O'Neal visited the Olympic Village, FAO Schwartz, and ate pizza and pasta on his first day in Milan.
The players
Shaquille O'Neal
A retired NBA star and gold medalist from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics who is in Milan to help launch Lilly's Team USA Athlete Recovery Program.
Madison Chock
A Winter Olympian who O'Neal met while in Milan.
Erin Jackson
A Winter Olympian who O'Neal met while in Milan.
What they’re saying
“I overpacked, I'm a panicker. I always start with the underwear, and for some reason I thought I was going to be here for 10 days so I brought 20 underwear and 20 tank tops, then I've got an extra five in case I work out.”
— Shaquille O'Neal (people.com)
“I'm actually surprised that the Italian people know who I am. I was walking yesterday and little kids started crying like nine, 10 years old.”
— Shaquille O'Neal (people.com)
What’s next
After his trip to Milan, Shaquille O'Neal is headed to Mexico to play a show as DJ Diesel and handle some other business before returning to his ESPN analyst role for the rest of the NBA season.
The takeaway
Shaquille O'Neal's involvement in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan highlights the star power and global reach of the games, while his partnership with Lilly to promote athlete recovery underscores the importance of physical and mental wellbeing for elite competitors.
