The Miami Dolphins are set to make history by participating in the first-ever regular-season NFL game in Spain, as Madrid’s famous Bernabéu Stadium prepares to host the event in the upcoming season, as announced by the league on Friday.
The Dolphins, who will be considered the “home” team for this game, will utilize Real Madrid’s renowned venue, equipped with a retractable soccer pitch that converts to a field suitable for American football. This remarkable stadium has the capacity to accommodate over 78,000 fans.
Expressing excitement for the event, Tom Garfinkel, the Dolphins’ vice chairman, president, and CEO, remarked, “We are thrilled to play the NFL’s inaugural game in Spain, a country of rich history, tradition, and passion and home to a vibrant Dolphins fanbase.”
Details including the date of the game and the Dolphins’ opponent are expected to be revealed in the spring.
The Dolphins, alongside the Chicago Bears, possess marketing rights in Spain through the league’s Global Markets Program, which enables teams to conduct events and establish commercial agreements in targeted regions.
Brett Gosper, the head of the NFL for Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, highlighted that “the exciting first-ever game in Spain underlines the NFL’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint and reaching new audiences across the world.”
This past season, the Dolphins ended with an 8-9 record and did not qualify for the playoffs.
Historically, the Dolphins have participated in seven games outside the United States but have struggled, with a 2-5 record in international matchups. Their recent loss came in Frankfurt, Germany, against the Kansas City Chiefs, where they fell 21-14 in 2023. The team has also played five games in London and one in Toronto.
Miami’s 2025 season will include home games against AFC East rivals the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, and New York Jets, as well as against the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Washington Commanders.
The NFL’s strategy to broaden its global reach is evident as it searches for new fans and sources of revenue. Collaborating with one of the world’s premier soccer clubs offers lucrative branding opportunities.
Emilio Butragueño, the director of institutional relations at Real Madrid, stated, “This partnership with the NFL will bring one of the world’s most prestigious sporting competitions to the Santiago Bernabéu, a stadium which has welcomed millions of passionate fans from around the globe to enjoy incredible sporting experiences.”
Located in the vibrant heart of Spain’s capital, Bernabéu Stadium stands as a leading contender to host the final match of the 2030 World Cup.
Starting in the 2025 season, the NFL can schedule a maximum of eight league-operated regular-season games outside of the United States.
Next season, London will host three games: two at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and one at Wembley Stadium, with the Jets and Cleveland Browns as home teams at Tottenham, and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley.
Additionally, Berlin will welcome its first regular-season game featuring the Indianapolis Colts as the home team at Olympic Stadium.
Moreover, last September, the Philadelphia Eagles secured a victory over the Green Bay Packers, winning 34-29 in São Paulo, Brazil, marking the NFL’s inaugural game in South America.
Commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned in October that Rio de Janeiro may also host a game soon, adding that there’s a strong likelihood Ireland will follow.
The NFL has expressed interest in Australia as a potential venue for future games, further showcasing its ambition to expand its global presence.
