A Historic Event at the Santiago Bernabéu

The official NFL debut on Spanish soil left an unforgettable impression on fans and league officials alike. Ahead of the showdown between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders, commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that this will not be a one-off event.

“We will come back, for sure,” Goodell said in an exclusive interview from the field of the Santiago Bernabéu, a world-renowned stadium adapted to host the spectacle of American football. The home of Real Madrid was completely transformed and packed to capacity, reflecting Spain’s growing passion for the NFL.

For Goodell, this is about more than hosting a game — it’s about building a long-term relationship with a country where interest in the league continues to rise. “This is a world-class stadium, maybe the best in the world. It’s an honor to play here, but also to connect with this community, to be in this country, to be here in Madrid,” he said.

The NFL Sees a Strong Future in Spain

The success of the event has encouraged the league to consider scheduling more games in Spain as part of its global expansion strategy. Spain now joins countries such as Germany, Mexico, and the United Kingdom in the NFL’s international roadmap, and the Bernabéu is poised to become a recurring host venue.

The atmosphere in Madrid exceeded expectations — local fans, traveling supporters, and NFL followers filled the stadium, creating an international-level environment. The stadium’s state-of-the-art design made it possible to adapt the field without compromising visibility or logistics.

Goodell emphasized that the sport’s growth in Spain is undeniable, and that the league “has teams and fans who want to experience this more often.” For the NFL, returning to Spain is no longer just a possibility — it’s a confirmed decision.

A Boost for American Football in Spain

The enormous media and commercial impact of the first official NFL game in Spain paves the way for future editions, youth clinics, brand activations, and long-term development projects for American football across the country. With the commissioner’s confirmation, Spain is now positioned as a key piece in the league’s global map.