The Miami Dolphins are set to break new ground in 2025, becoming the first NFL team to play a regular season game in Madrid, Spain. The historic match will take place at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid CF, which boasts a retractable soccer field that can be transformed for American football and a seating capacity exceeding 78,000.
While the NFL has yet to announce the Dolphins' opponent or the exact game date, the team is designated as the "home" team for this groundbreaking event. Dolphins president and CEO Tom Garfinkel expressed excitement about playing in Spain, highlighting the country's rich history and passionate Dolphins fan base. He emphasized the growing appetite for football in the Spanish market and the team's commitment to expanding the game internationally.
This announcement comes less than a year after the NFL revealed its plans to host a game at Bernabéu Stadium. The Dolphins hold international marketing rights in Spain through the league's Global Markets Program. This will be the Dolphins' eighth international game, bringing their current record outside the U.S. to 2-5, following their 2023 game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany.
Brett Gosper, the NFL’s head of Europe and APAC, underscored the league's dedication to global expansion and reaching new audiences. Partnering with Real Madrid, a globally recognized soccer powerhouse, represents a significant branding opportunity for the NFL.
Emilio Butragueño, Real Madrid's institutional relations director, also welcomed the partnership, emphasizing the prestige of hosting an NFL game at the historic stadium. The NFL is permitted to schedule up to eight international regular-season games next season, with three planned for London and one for Germany, in addition to the Madrid game.
