The Miami Dolphins are gearing up to make a splash in the NFL’s 2025 International Series by hosting the league’s first-ever regular-season game in Spain.
This landmark event, known as the Dolphins NFL Madrid game, will unfold at the legendary Bernabéu Stadium—usually the home turf of Real Madrid C.F. Right now, Madrid is buzzing with anticipation, ready to welcome a truly global showdown that promises to expand American football’s footprint in a big way
“The exciting first-ever game in Spain underlines the NFL’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint and reaching new audiences across the world,” said Head of Europe and APAC at the NFL Brett Gosper.
“The Miami Dolphins playing at the Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid C.F., showcases the global appeal of the league and of our sport, in what promises to be a historic moment.”
“We are thrilled to play the NFL’s inaugural game in Spain, a country of rich history, tradition and passion and home to a vibrant Dolphins fanbase,” said Miami Dolphins Vice Chairman, President and CEO Tom Garfinkel.
“There is a hunger for football in this market, and we are proud to join with the NFL in growing the game internationally while engaging with old and new fans alike.
With the unique synergy between Miami and Madrid, we believe this is only the beginning for us in this incredible region and we look forward to bringing the excitement and community of Dolphins football to Spain in 2025 and beyond.”
“This partnership with the NFL will bring one of the world’s most prestigious sporting competitions to the Santiago Bernabéu, a stadium which has welcomed millions of passionate fans from around the globe to enjoy incredible sporting experiences,” said Real Madrid Institutional Relations Director Emilio Butragueño.
Although the details about the Dolphins’ opponent, the exact date, and the kickoff time are still under wraps until the full 2025 NFL schedule is released this spring, excitement is already mounting.
Looking beyond just this historic game, the NFL is setting its sights on expanding football’s influence in Spain all year round through various partnerships, programs, and community-driven initiatives.
The Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears are leading the NFL’s expansion efforts in Spain, holding exclusive marketing rights through the league’s Global Markets Program. In a strategic move to engage the local community, the NFL has also launched NFL Flag in partnership with the Federación Española de Fútbol Americano.
This initiative is igniting a surge of interest in youth flag football, setting the stage for its highly anticipated debut at the LA28 Olympics.
Beginning in 2025, the NFL can schedule up to eight international matchups per season. As part of that global push, two games will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, while Berlin’s Olympic Stadium will host another. The Jacksonville Jaguars will also maintain their home presence at London’s Wembley Stadium for a 14th year.
To date, 55 regular-season NFL contests have been staged internationally, spanning London, Munich, Frankfurt, São Paulo, Mexico City, and Toronto. Miami itself has appeared in seven of those matchups—five in London, one in Frankfurt, and one in Toronto.
Fans eager to learn more about the 2025 Madrid showdown can register at nfl.com/madrid for updates on ticket availability, event details, and more.
This groundbreaking Dolphins NFL Madrid game is set to become a pivotal chapter in the league’s international expansion, uniting two passionate sports communities for a historic day at the Bernabéu Stadium.