Lorraine Williamson
On 16 November 2025, the NFL played its first regular-season game in Spain — and the spectacle did not disappoint.
At Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the Miami Dolphins took on the Washington Commanders, attracting a global audience and shining a fresh spotlight on continental Europe’s growing gridiron ambitions.
On-field drama and key moments
Although the final margin might not reflect faultless play, the event delivered plenty of intrigue. The Dolphins and Commanders were locked at 6-6 at halftime, each side converting field goals in the first half. The Dolphins then pulled ahead and ultimately sealed the win, according to the updated box score.
Defensively, both teams struggled to break through; on offense, the Dolphins’ running back De’Von Achane logged 53 rushing yards from seven carries. Washington’s backfield responded with Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushing 49 yards on ten attempts. Meanwhile, Miami’s quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 7 of 8 passes for 64 yards, finishing with a 100.0 passer rating. It was a strong, efficient showing amid the pressure of a landmark event.
Off the field, the venue itself made headlines. After undergoing a sweeping renovation, the Bernabéu morphed into a spectacle befitting its new historic role.
As the teams lined up before kick-off, the atmosphere inside the Bernabéu shifted from pre-game excitement to something far more ceremonial. The Spanish national anthem was performed live by the Madrid Marine Infantry Group, a moment the NFL later shared on X. Their orchestral rendition carried across the stadium, drawing a powerful reaction from the crowd — many of whom stood filming, applauding or simply taking in the significance of Spain hosting its first NFL regular-season game.
The performance lent the afternoon a sense of occasion that went beyond sport. It marked Spain’s formal welcome into the NFL’s expanding international stage, blending American football with a distinctly Spanish moment of pride.
Wider significance and what this means for Spain
This wasn’t simply a novelty fixture: it marks a turning point in the NFL’s strategy to expand into Southern Europe. Spain’s capital now has credible credentials as a host for major international sports moments beyond domestic football (soccer). The inward investment into venue infrastructure and tourism for the match is already drawing attention.
For local fans, grassroots organisations and broadcasters, the ripple effects are immediate. Expect a surge in flag and tackle football programmes, Spanish-language coverage, and renewed interest in the sport among younger demographics.
Beyond this first down
With the first regular-season match now in the books, the question shifts from if Spain will host more NFL games to when and how frequently. The league will closely monitor attendance, fan engagement, and broadcast metrics before planning the next step. For Madrid and Andalucia alike, this opening chapter could pave the way for a regular slot in the NFL’s international series.
Sources: The Washington Post, ESPN, The Sun, Cinco Dias