Miami Dolphins to play first NFL game in Spain at Santiago Bernabéu

The NFL continues to expand its global reach, and this Friday it announced that the Miami Dolphins will be the team designated to play the first game of the league in Spain, scheduled for 2025 at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid.

The event, which will mark a milestone in the history of American football, makes the Dolphins pioneers again, as the team also starred in the first NFL game in Europe, when they faced the New York Giants in 2007 at Wembley Stadium, London.

A historic announcement at the Bernabéu
The news was presented at a special event held at the Madrid stadium itself. Among the attendees were Brett Gosper, director of the NFL in Europe and Asia-Pacific; Pri Shumate, vice president of the Miami Dolphins; and Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid. During the event, the collaboration between both institutions and the commitment to bring one of the most emblematic sporting events in the world to Spain were highlighted.

Real Madrid, the owner of the stadium, will be offering its home for this unique event for the first time. The Santiago Bernabéu, currently in its final phase of renovation, promises to offer a state-of-the-art venue for this historic match.

The Dolphins: a historic franchise
Founded in 1965, the Miami Dolphins are one of the most iconic franchises in the NFL. They have won two Super Bowls (1972 and 1973) and three conference titles (1971, 1982 and 1984). The 1972 season is especially memorable, as they achieved the only perfect season in NFL history, under the direction of legendary coach Don Shula.

Among the team's legends are figures such as Larry Csonka, Jake Scott, and the famous Dan Marino, considered one of the best quarterbacks of all time, although he never won a Super Bowl.

Expectations and preparation
Although the Dolphins failed to qualify for the playoffs this season, players such as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Tyreek Hill have put the team back on fans’ radar.

Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel expressed his excitement:

“We are thrilled to play the inaugural NFL game in Spain – a country with a rich history, tradition and passion, home to a vibrant Dolphins fan base. This event symbolizes the unique synergy between Miami and Madrid.”

Upcoming announcements
The NFL will release more details about the exact date of the game and the Dolphins’ opponent once the official schedule for the 2025 season is released. However, this event has already generated great anticipation among Spanish fans, who are looking forward to enjoying the NFL spectacle for the first time in their country.