NFL Makes History at Real Madrid‘s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
MADRID – The National Football League held its first regular season game in Spain on Sunday, marking a significant expansion of the league’s international series at Real Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The Miami Dolphins were designated as the “home” team for the contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a move raising questions about the logistical and strategic implications of staging a game so far from a franchise’s conventional base.
The game at the Bernabéu represents the NFL’s continued push to grow its global footprint, building on the success of games played in London and Mexico. The league has invested in international advancement programs, such as academies established in the United Kingdom at Loughborough University, to cultivate talent and fan bases outside of North America.
“It is very interesting that they have done it in the Bernabeu, because it is known across the whole world,” said Pablo Araya, a team-mate of Rivero on the Madrid Bravos, a Spanish American football team. “A stadium so symbolic, hosting an American football game, it gives it that extra importance. It can inspire many boys and girls to try the sport.”
The decision to play in madrid, and designate Miami as the home team, is part of a broader NFL strategy to test new markets and potentially establish a more permanent international presence. While the financial details of the arrangement haven’t been disclosed, the move allows the Dolphins to tap into a new revenue stream and expand their brand recognition in Europe.
Former Dolphins quarterback Reid sinnett, now playing for the Madrid Bravos and recently named the European league’s MVP, highlighted the unique environment for the sport in Spain. “There is ‘less investment’ in the game in Spain, but adds that this ‘leads to something different in a lot of cool, unique ways, where the Spanish guys played because they love the sport.'” He contrasted this with the NFL in the United States, stating, ”In the NFL, it’s a job, and people treat it like that. It’s more of an individual thing.” Sinnett also noted the different enthusiasm of European fans, recalling his experience playing in London with the Miami Dolphins and observing the variety of jerseys and fan excitement.
The game also drew fans from across the Atlantic. Washington Commanders supporter Ted Abela, who previously attended an NFL game in London in 2016, explained the appeal of traveling for international games: “I understand that not everyone can afford to travel, but we also knew about this game a lot earlier. So it gave people a chance to set aside money and see if they could do it.”
