The NFL revealed this week that it will expand the reach of American football to Spain for the first time next year, with the Miami Dolphins set to host the inaugural Spanish NFL game at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
This move adds Spain to the NFL’s growing list of European partners, including Germany and the UK, which will collectively host five regular season games in 2025. Additionally, two games will be split between Mexico and Brazil. These matchups are part of the NFL’s International Games series, a successful initiative that has brought global exposure to the sport since its launch in 2007.
The selection of the Dolphins to host the event is no accident. NFL executives see Spain as a crucial link between the NFL’s European and Latin American popularity, with the country acting as a “bridge” to harness the growing interest from Hispanic communities.
Miami’s involvement in this game is also strategic. The Dolphins have one of the largest Spanish-speaking fanbases in the NFL and have actively worked to establish a presence in Latin American markets. The team holds marketing rights in Spain and has expanded its efforts into Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico ahead of the event.
While international NFL games often feel like exhibitions for fans, with supporters from various teams filling the stadium, the game itself remains significant for the players, forming a vital part of their 17-game season leading up to the playoffs.
Speculation is growing that the NFL is planning another international expansion, possibly into Ireland. If confirmed, 2025 will mark the second consecutive year of increasing international games, further cementing the NFL’s status as a global sport.
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