The 2025 Madrid Game isn’t just another addition to the growing catalog of international NFL games; it’s special that the Miami Dolphins will be taking the field as the home team. This significance stems from what the game represents for the NFL’s top international market: the Hispanic market. The connection between Miami and Madrid bridges an ocean, uniting a shared culture — a culture that loves the NFL.

In the United States, the NFL reigns supreme among major sports leagues. Stadiums are packed every week, and some teams have season ticket waitlists that stretch for years. Television ratings confirm this dominance, with NFL games consistently occupying the majority of spots in the annual top 100 broadcasts. It’s not just traditional TV, either — streaming services also highlight the NFL’s unrivaled appeal. This season’s Thursday Night Football on Prime Video has reached record-breaking audiences, and Netflix’s Christmas debut of NFL content was another resounding win. In the U.S., there’s no debate about who’s in charge.

So, how does the NFL grow from here? By looking abroad.

What has always been a uniquely American sport is steadily gaining ground beyond U.S. borders, especially in a market that stands out on the international stage — not defined by a single country but by a common language: Spanish. With Mexico leading the charge outside the U.S., the broader Latino world (where the Mundo NFL project has been a trailblazer) is gradually bringing NFL fever to the rest of Latin America. And within this growing Hispanic wave, Spain has emerged in recent years as a crucial link in the chain.

Across the Atlantic, the NFL’s popularity in Europe continues to rise. The United Kingdom and Germany are already established strongholds for the league. London’s annual October NFL games have become a tradition, and Germany is quickly following suit, with games in Munich, Frankfurt, and a debut in Berlin next season.

This is where Spain, Madrid, and the Miami Dolphins play a pivotal role. Spain is both a part of Europe and a hub of Hispanic culture, making the intersection of these two worlds an ideal fit for the NFL’s expansion. With the Madrid Game, the NFL gains a Hispanic and European capital, while the legendary Santiago Bernabéu stadium becomes the stage for a marvelous cultural fusion. Fans from across Europe, Latin America, and, of course, Miami Dolphins supporters from the U.S. will come together, united by their passion for the NFL.

Spain is set to become the sixth country to host the NFL, after Mexico, Canada, the U.K., Germany and Brazil. This is a monumental win for Spain, but it’s also a tremendous opportunity for the NFL. Strategically, culturally, and athletically, Spain offers unmatched value. As a global sports powerhouse with a deep-seated passion for competition, Spain is a perfect partner for the NFL. This is truly a match made in heaven.

That’s why the Madrid Game has it all — and with the Dolphins on the field, even more. If Madrid is one of the world capitals of Hispanic culture, Miami undoubtedly shares that title. Add to this the fact that Madrid and Miami are officially sister cities, and it makes even more sense for a Miami team to call Madrid “home” for a day.

Spain’s journey to hosting the Madrid Game is the result of over 30 years of steady growth, championed by pioneers like José Antonio Ponseti. This passion started in the late ’80s when stars like Joe Montana, Jim Kelly, Troy Aikman, and John Elway introduced the NFL to a country that once viewed it as an otherworldly spectacle. The successes of the 49ers and Cowboys, the Bills’ Super Bowl heartbreaks, and the heroics of Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith began to captivate Spanish fans. Tom Brady and the Patriots dynasty marked the first major surge in engagement, and in the past five years, amid the pandemic, Patrick Mahomes and a new generation of stars have ignited unprecedented interest. Once you discover the NFL, there’s no turning back.

There’s no doubt that the Bernabéu will be packed, with tickets selling out in mere minutes. When the Dolphins take the field, they’ll feel the full force of Spanish fans’ unmatched passion for sports.

No, this won’t be just another international NFL game. This will be the game where cultures unite and Spain’s love for sports embraces the NFL as a new favorite. And above all, the hope from Spain is clear: that this will be the first of many games played in this extraordinary country.

Stay tuned to Mundo NFL for all Madrid Game related news (including the highly anticipated tickets!).