The NFL’s ambitious international agenda has paved the way for the league to host eight games annually outside the United States. This not only marks a significant shift toward cross-cultural sporting interactions on a grand scale but also proves the league’s commitment to broadening the scope of its international games.
Building on the success of previous international games, the NFL is now setting its sights on Spain as the next destination for its prestigious matchups, aiming to captivate fans in a country known for its fervor for football.
Santiago Bernabeu will hold an NFL game in 2025
The league is set to host a regular-season game in 2025 at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to the prestigious soccer club Real Madrid. The announcement was met with enthusiasm, as the NFL aims to reveal the best of the sport to its passionate fan base of over 13 million in Spain.
The NFL’s head of international affairs Peter O’Reilly expressed the organization’s thrill in partnering with Real Madrid and utilizing the world-class and innovative stadium for the event.
“We could not be more excited to bring the best of the NFL, the best of our teams, and star players to the more than 13 million passionate fans in Spain and partner with one of the greatest global soccer clubs in Real Madrid in a truly world-class and innovative stadium,” said O’Reilly.
This move marks a significant expansion of the NFL’s international footprint, with Spain becoming the third European nation to host an NFL game. The International Games initiative has already included the UK, Mexico, Germany, and Brazil. While the specific teams participating in the game are yet to be revealed, O’Reilly hinted that the host team would likely represent the AFC.
The decision to bring an NFL game to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium follows the league’s commitment to exploring diverse locations for its international events. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had previously disclosed plans for a regular-season game in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2024. The Philadelphia Eagles are set to be the first team to kick off a regular season game in Brazil.
Santiago Bernabeu details: Crowd capacity, transportation and more
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, standing as the second-largest stadium in Spain and the third-largest among top-flight European club venues, boasts a staggering current seating capacity of over 80,000. The impressive structure features 245 VIP boxes, which add a touch of luxury to the spectator experience.
The stadium is named in honor of legendary Real Madrid president Santiago Bernabéu and has been the cherished home of Real Madrid since its completion in 1947.
It is situated a mere 3 km away from Madrid City Center. For those arriving at the Nuevos Ministerios station, a brief 8 to 9 minutes walk or a metro ride on Line 10 towards Santiago Bernabeu provides easy access to the football haven, per Football Host.
For additional transportation options, passengers can opt to alight at the Chamartín station and take the bus (line 14 or 150) directly to the stadium to ensure a hassle-free journey.
Moreover, as part of the experience, the Tour Bernabéu provides an opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history of the world’s most successful football club, offering insights and anecdotes that highlight Real Madrid’s magnificent journey.
