In a move signifying the NFL’s commitment to global expansion, the league announced that Madrid, Spain will host a regular-season game in 2025. This landmark event will mark the NFL’s first foray into Spain and the fifth country to host an International Series game.
The announcement, made during a press conference in Las Vegas, confirmed a partnership between the NFL and Real Madrid, one of the world’s most iconic soccer clubs. The game is set to be held at the newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, showcasing the NFL on a global stage.
“Playing a game in Madrid in 2025 highlights the continued expansion of the league’s global footprint and the accelerated ambitions to take our game to more fans around the world,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. He emphasized the league’s pride in partnering with Real Madrid and the city of Madrid to bring “a spectacular regular season game to Spain at the world-class Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.”
This announcement comes on the heels of the NFL’s recent decision to increase the number of international games from four to eight starting in the 2025 season. This strategic expansion allows the NFL to tap into new markets and engage with passionate fans worldwide.
Peter O’Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President of club business, international and league events, highlighted the significance of this expansion. “We could not be more excited to bring the best of the NFL, the best of our teams, our star players to our more than 13 million passionate fans in Spain and to partner with one of the greatest global soccer clubs in Real Madrid and a truly world-class and innovative stadium.”
The selection of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is no coincidence. Its recent renovations, which include a retractable playing surface, make it an ideal venue for hosting an NFL game. This state-of-the-art feature allows for a seamless transition from a soccer pitch to an NFL-caliber field, eliminating a significant logistical challenge.
The partnership between the NFL and Real Madrid mirrors the successful collaboration between the NFL and Tottenham Hotspur in England. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, specifically designed to accommodate both soccer and NFL games, has successfully hosted eight NFL games to date, including two in the 2023 season.
The NFL’s international ambitions extend beyond regular-season games. With flag football set to debut as an official Olympic sport in 2028, the league is exploring opportunities to further expand its global reach, including the possibility of hosting the Pro Bowl Games overseas.
O’Reilly acknowledged the league’s consideration of this idea, stating, “We are considering all options. Clearly, the global growth of our game is important. So, looking at that are there opportunities to create more moments internationally? Nothing is imminent there, but we would not rule that out if there was the right fit and the right opportunity to add an international Pro Bowl game sometime in the future.”
While the specific teams participating in the 2025 Madrid game are yet to be determined, the anticipation is palpable. This historic event signifies a major step forward in the NFL’s globalization efforts, bringing the thrill of American football to a new continent and a passionate fan base.
