NFL Madrid Game: 6 things to Know about the spanish debut

Bienvenido, NFL! The iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, long celebrated as a cathedral of world soccer, is about to host its first-ever football fiesta on Spanish soil. The man who made the league’s international expansion a top priority—Roger Goodell—was in high spirits during the NFL Munich Game, sharing his vision over some beers. Our team has read between the lines to answer burning questions for fans considering an NFL Madrid travel trip.

When could the NFL Madrid Game 2025 take place?

This year, the NFL schedule makers strayed from the traditional "London-first" principle, kicking off the International Series with the Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo. It's possible that the Spain debut could be scheduled ahead of the London games—perhaps during the soccer international break, from October 7 to 15. Alternatively, a November date (e.g., November 19) could fit into LaLiga's calendar as another option.

How big is American football in Spain?

The NFL estimates its target audience in Spain to be around 13 million fans. Thanks to the influence of Latin American culture in Miami, the Dolphins are a fan favorite among Spaniards. Like in England and Germany, the Iberian Peninsula is a growing market for NFL merchandise and the NFL Game Pass platform, where select games are also available with Spanish commentary.

Which teams could play in the NFL Madrid Game?

The most likely contenders are the Miami Dolphins or the Chicago Bears. Under the Global Markets Program (GMP), both teams hold marketing rights in Spain. Recent developments suggest Miami may have the edge. According to our sources, season ticket holders were already informed via email that the Sunshine State franchise is eyeing an NFL International Game trip. It’s highly unlikely that their trip will take them back to Frankfurt (2023) or London (2021).

Done Deal: NFL Vize-Boss Peter O Reilly and Emilio Butragueno from Real Madrid

Where can I buy NFL Madrid tickets?

Based on past experience, registration for the NFL International Series opens in May or June. Signing up and receiving a code via email, however, doesn’t guarantee access to the ticket shop. To improve your chances, consider booking an NFL Madrid travel package through our platform. We’ve organized Real Madrid soccer trips with tickets and hotels for years, earning a reputation for seamless logistics and personalized service for visitors heading to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

Why is the NFL playing at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu?

Camp Nou or Santiago Bernabéu? Madrid or Barcelona? The rivalry over hosting Spain's first NFL game has been as intense as their soccer battles. While Barcelona made an early pitch with a watch party featuring the Dolphins and Bears at the Hard Rock Café in 2018, it wasn’t enough. Real Madrid’s recent stadium renovations sealed the deal. With 85,000 seats, spacious locker rooms, and an underground storage system for the field—reminiscent of Tottenham’s NFL setup—it’s a dream come true for league executives.

Will the NFL Madrid Game be a one-time event?

Unlike the multi-year commitments to Frankfurt and Munich (through 2025), no long-term deal exists for Spain—yet. Starting in 2025, the NFL International Series is expanding, making it more likely that Spain could become a regular destination if the NFL Madrid Game 2025 lives up to expectations. Even with three annual games in London (Tottenham, Wembley), the NFL still has five other international slots to fill each season.