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!).