The NFL will very soon be in a place where it will have made history: an official game, first time ever in Spain, taking center stage in the iconic Santiago Bernabéu-real home of Real Madrid. The main course for such an event, when the date and opponent are not revealed, comes with the Miami Dolphins, from the state of Florida. Remaking the Bernabéu into American Soccer.
Follow Playing for 90 on X (Twitter).
It was no accident to choose Santiago Bernabéu for this moment of history. In December 2023, the stadium showed off its new image after an epoch-making €893 million makeover, featuring futuristic facilities, a retractable pitch, and space to fit as many as 84,000 spectators. The Bernabéu-a venue that was used to hosting epic moments of soccer-would now be fit to host those of American football.
The president of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, was not shy about how he felt: "For us, it is a great honor that a competition with the prestige and greatness of the NFL has chosen the Bernabéu as its home. It's an immense source of pride for all of us, Madridistas, Madrileños, and Spaniards."
With its modernization, the Bernabéu consolidates its position not only as a temple of soccer but also as a global multipurpose venue. The ability of this stadium to adapt to host an NFL game underlines its versatility and appeal for a wide range of sports and events.
Dolphins lead the charge in expanding American football to Spain
The Miami Dolphins are not beginners in the attempt to grow the sport to audiences not within the States. Team up with Chicago Bears; and the team has also been granted wholly exclusive marketing rights in Spain thanks to the NFL Global Markets Program devised in 2022 to help NFL Clubs gain more team visibility and grow an international fanbase.
Both have invested in marketing activities within the country during recent years through local broadcasts of games, player visits, or creating content in Spanish. Work is part of its continuing commitment toward growing the League's connection to European audiences, according to Dolphins President/CEO Tom Garfinkel.
“We are thrilled to play the NFL’s inaugural game in Spain. It’s a country with a rich history, tradition, and passion, and it has a vibrant base of Dolphins fans. There’s a hunger for football in this market, and we’re proud to join the NFL in growing the game internationally.”
Outside of Spain, the Dolphins have commercial rights in five other territories: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Such an extended reach shows the strategic vision of the team to establish its brand name worldwide. This mission aligns with the broader international goals of the NFL.
The impact the NFL is having on Europe is growing.
Although the NFL has been expanding into Europe for some time, its first game in Spain represents a significant milestone. For years, the league has been hosting international games, mostly in London. In 2017, four games were staged in the British capital, and it will host three more during the 2025/26 season. Since 2022, Berlin in Germany has become another recurring host of NFL games, further establishing European interest in the sport.
The NFL head for Europe and Asia-Pacific, Brett Gosper, emphasized the following about this development: "The thrilling first game held in Spain, a testament to how the NFL's commitment to reaching new audiences on every continent is ongoing."
It is a strategic decision to select Spain as the new territory. Considering the rapidly growing popularity of the NFL across Europe, excellent sports infrastructure in the country, and very enthusiastic local support, it would be an ideal setting in which to raise the league's profile. Events at iconic venues, such as the Bernabéu-home of the mighty Real Madrid-continue to increase the NFL's exposure and build its reputation as a global force in sport.