Dec 22, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks on before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

nfl

NFL Announces Historic 2025 Game in Madrid: Miami Dolphins to Play at Santiago Bernabéu

For the first game ever in madrid, the NFL has announced the home team !

The NFL has officially announced that the Miami Dolphins will serve as the designated team for the league’s first-ever regular-season game in Spain, set to take place during the 2025 International Games.

This groundbreaking event will be hosted at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of the legendary soccer club Real Madrid C.F., in partnership with the city of Madrid and the Community of Madrid.

A Milestone for the NFL’s Global Expansion

“This historic first game in Spain highlights the NFL’s ongoing commitment to expanding its global footprint and reaching new audiences worldwide,” said Brett Gosper, Head of Europe and APAC for the NFL. He also emphasized that the selection of the Dolphins underscores the league’s international appeal and the growing popularity of American football.

Tom Garfinkel, Vice Chairman, President, and CEO of the Miami Dolphins, expressed his excitement:

“We are thrilled to play the NFL’s inaugural game in Spain, a country with a rich history, tradition, and passion, as well as a vibrant Dolphins fan base. There is a strong appetite for football in this market, and we’re proud to work with the NFL to grow the game internationally. The unique connection between Miami and Madrid makes this an exciting start to a long-term relationship with this incredible region.”

Bernabéu: A Premier Stage for Football

Emilio Butragueño, Real Madrid’s Director of Institutional Relations, welcomed the partnership with enthusiasm:

“Bringing one of the world’s most prestigious sporting competitions to the Santiago Bernabéu, a stadium that has hosted countless unforgettable moments, is an honor. This event will offer fans an extraordinary sporting experience.”

A Bold Strategy for International Growth

The NFL continues to make strides in its mission to grow the sport globally, particularly in Spain. In 2024, the league launched its official NFL Flag Football program in partnership with the Federación Española de Fútbol Americano (FEFA). This initiative aims to increase participation at the grassroots level, especially as flag football prepares to debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears hold marketing rights in Spain under the NFL’s Global Markets Program, which allows teams to expand their brand internationally through fan engagement, events, and commercial opportunities.

Schedule Details Coming Soon

The Dolphins’ opponent, along with the exact date and kickoff time for the game, will be announced in spring 2025 when the NFL releases its full schedule. This match is part of the league’s larger plan to host up to eight international games each season starting in 2025.

In addition to Madrid, the 2025 International Games will include two matchups in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium featuring the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns as designated teams. The NFL will also host a game in Berlin at the Olympiastadion, with the Indianapolis Colts serving as the home team. The Jacksonville Jaguars will return to Wembley Stadium in London for their 14th game in the city, continuing their long-standing commitment to playing in the UK.

A Legacy of International Success

To date, the NFL has held 55 regular-season games in international markets, including London, Munich, Frankfurt, São Paulo, Mexico City, and Toronto. The Dolphins are no strangers to playing abroad, having participated in seven international games: five in London, one in Frankfurt, and one in Toronto.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Miami Dolphins

Charles Taudin

nba

nfl

mlb

nhl

Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.