NFL to Bring International Series Game to Spain

The series has become a key piece of the legacy of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

The NFL’s international series will visit Spain, sources told Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer and Conor Orr on Thursday. The NFL confirmed the news a short time later.

The game will take place in 2025 and would be the second new international locale to host an NFL game in as many seasons. The league recently announced plans to open the ’24 season in Brazil with a game featuring the Philadelphia Eagles.

The game in Spain is expected to take place in Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which is the home stadium of soccer club Real Madrid.

“Playing a game in Madrid in 2025 highlights the continued expansion of the league’s global footprint and the accelerated ambitions to take our game to more fans around the world,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “We are proud to partner with Real Madrid C.F., a global brand, together with the City of Madrid and Comunidad de Madrid, to bring a spectacular regular season game to Spain at the world-class Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.”

One of the coolest things about Santiago Bernabéu Stadium—the newly-revamped home of Real Madrid, and newly-named host venue for a 2025 NFL game—is its insane grass system. The teams that go over there will get a good look (even if they play on the turf). pic.twitter.com/4CmdHbacfN

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 9, 2024

The NFL has not yet announced which teams will play in the game, but the important part of the announcement is that the league is continuing its quest to bring American football abroad. 

The Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins own the NFL’s marketing rights in Spain, so it’s possible either of those teams could be tapped as the host. The Bears and Dolphins are not slated to play each other in ’25, based on the NFL’s usual interconference schedule rotation.

Games in England, Germany and Mexico City have been mainstays in the league’s international series, and the additions of contests in Brazil and Spain only add to the intrigue and legacy of Goodell, who has made this initiative a key focus during his tenure.