As he prepares to visit Wales, the US rapper has been told that replicating Wrexham’s transformation at Swansea City will not be easy
15:45, 18 Feb 2026Updated 17:25, 18 Feb 2026
American rapper Snoop Dogg practices curling(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Snoop Dogg has been warned that emulating the Hollywood success of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham might be more difficult than it seems. The American rap legend, who bought a minority stake in Swansea City last July, is gearing up to visit south Wales to watch his first home match against Preston North End later this month. It’s been a long time coming.
The 54-year-old has ambitious plans for the club, promising to propel the Championship team back into the Premier League and transform the Swans into a “global name”. However, his investment is already being measured against the benchmark set in the north of the country.
Wrexham AFC’s celebrity-fuelled ascent has seen them achieve an impressive rise from the National League to the Championship through three consecutive promotions, setting a high standard that some believe will be hard to replicate at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Former Premier League midfielder Jeff Hendrick knows exactly what it takes to compete at the pinnacle of British football. The 79-cap Republic of Ireland international, who recently hung up his boots after a career spanning the top flight and the Championship, believes the superstar’s arrival is a massive boost for the league’s profile – but he warned the rapper may face a reality check, reports the Mirror.
Speaking to Fruity King, he said: “Publicity-wise, you see clubs and consortiums, including ex-NFL players, artists, and different people, getting involved and trying to buy clubs or be part-owners. This is great for English football, as it brings media coverage and hype to certain clubs like Snoop Dogg has. It also attracts players because they will join clubs backed by big-name stars, knowing there will be financial backing.
“It can only be a positive thing. When you look at English football with its relegation and promotion, especially for American people who don’t have that in their country, the highs and lows are a real pull.
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“The financial benefits of reaching the play-offs or the Premier League are massive. However, it’s also a wake-up call for those who might have thought they could just put their name to a club, attract players, and move up the leagues, like Wrexham. He’s probably gone in at higher stakes and is getting to see what English football is all about.”
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
Anticipation is mounting ahead of Snoop’s first visit to Swansea next Tuesday, February 24. The celebrity will be pitchside before kick-off to greet supporters during his appearance. The four-time Emmy winner also plans to explore the local community, meeting fans and experiencing the city’s atmosphere.
Confirming his visit, he said: “I know it has been a long time coming, but I cannot wait to finally make my first visit to Swansea City and be among all the YJBs for our game against Preston.
“Publicity-wise, you see clubs and consortiums, including ex-NFL players, artists, and different people, getting involved and trying to buy clubs or be part-owners. From the moment we talked about me becoming an owner, I have been looking forward to the chance to be with you all at the Swansea.com Stadium. I have heard so many great things about the atmosphere, especially when we play under the lights.
“When I watched the Wrexham game, where we showed we are the capital of Welsh football, the noise in the stadium sounded incredible even from over 5,000 miles away. I can’t wait to be a part of it.” Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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