NFL will host 2025 regular season game in Spain as iconic football stadium chosen

After playing at London’s Wembley Stadium and Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park, the NFL is heading to Spain as the sport continues to expand.

Real Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabeu is set to host regular-season NFL games in 2025, with Spain preparing to follow in the footsteps of stadiums in England and Germany.

The La Liga giants have been in talks with the NFL since last year about where the legendary match will take place. The breakthrough comes as the refurbished stadium is now set to become the latest venue to form part of the organisation’s international playing strategy.

Madrid, a 14-time Champions League winner, is organizing the event together with the Spanish government, the Supreme Council of Sports, the City of Madrid and the Comunidad de la Madrid. This game will be the 50th NFL regular season game played outside the United States, with the season beginning in 2025 with eight games.

In addition, the UK is scheduled to host three more editions in 2024, and Germany is also expected to host the event. Chicago-Jacksonville and Minnesota are scheduled to host a game in London this year, with the opponent yet to be determined. Miami, on the other hand, is a strategic partner with Spain and will be an early favorite to host Madrid’s first game, as the club has a long-standing relationship with the country. Community. .

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised the news of Los Blancos’ future partnership, saying: “Playing in Madrid in 2025 further expands the league’s global presence and reflects our ambition to bring the game to more fans.” world. “We are proud to partner with the global brand Real Madrid, together with the city of Madrid and the Comunidad de Madrid, to present a great regular season in Spain at the world-class Santiago Bernabeu stadium.”

Real Madrid CF president Florentino Perez also gave a glowing speech ahead of the 2025 event, announcing the merger of two of the world’s most legendary sporting brands. He began: “The arrival of the National Football League at the Santiago Bernabeu is an important event in the history of sport. The famous Estadio Santiago Bernabeu will host regular season NFL games in 2025.

“This strategic partnership between Real Madrid and the prestigious NFL organization will raise our brand globally. “This will be welcomed by millions of people on every continent and it is an honor to work together. Let’s start this journey together.”

Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida also praised the partnership, looking forward to the city’s achievements. “The union between Madrid and the National Football League is full of passion and excellence. We would like to thank the NFL for trusting Madrid to organize an unprecedented celebration at the legendary and renovated Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. “There will be no doubt about all the activities of this historic event,” he said, adding: “With the arrival of the NFL in Madrid, we will host the most important competition in the world and the city will welcome its guests. “We are ready to work together and write history together in 2025.”

Madrid’s Emilio Butragueño also spoke with pride and enthusiasm. “We are very excited about this opportunity and our future. We are confident that this partnership will be successful. We are really proud of this transaction.”