For the first time in history, the National Football League (NFL) brought its brand of American football to Spain, staging a landmark exhibition game at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. The highly anticipated event captivated a massive crowd, with an official attendance figure of 78,610 spectators filling the famed venue.
The historic matchup featured the Miami Dolphins taking on the Washington Commanders. In a competitive encounter that ended in a 13-13 draw, the game marked a significant milestone for the NFL’s global expansion efforts. The extraordinary turnout underscored the growing international appeal of American football, attracting not only a substantial number of local Spanish fans but also numerous international visitors who traveled to witness the spectacle in Madrid.
The atmosphere within the Bernabéu was electric, as fans collectively cheered and celebrated throughout the game, contributing to a vibrant and memorable sporting occasion. For many Spanish attendees, the event served as a novel introduction to American football, showcasing its unique blend of intense physical contests, strategic gameplay, and dynamic ball possession. This immersive experience highlighted the sport’s competitive nature and athleticism.
Organizers hailed the event as a resounding success for the NFL, demonstrating the significant potential for expanding American football’s footprint into new territories. The enthusiastic reception in Spain has reportedly encouraged the league to commit to exploring future opportunities for staging its premier games within the country. The NFL has identified Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium as a particularly promising venue for such endeavors.
Indeed, the recently renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which completed its nearly $2 billion refurbishment in 2024, stands as a state-of-the-art facility designed for versatility. Beyond its primary role as the home of Real Madrid football, the modern arena is equipped to host a diverse range of large-scale events, including NFL games, major concerts, tennis tournaments, and various other sporting spectacles, making it an ideal location for international sporting events of this magnitude.
