NFL to stage first game in Spain at Real Madrid's stadium

For those still reveling in the grand unveiling of the newly refurbished Santiago Bernabeu, a venue that has long been synonymous with Real Madrid's storied dominance in world football, there is an additional rare treat in store. 

Amid the excitement surrounding the stadium's completion late last year, fans will have the unique opportunity to witness the finest live action of American football. In a historic first, the iconic venue will host an NFL regular-season game during the 2025 campaign.

"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," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement on Friday night.

"We are proud to partner with Real Madrid, 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 Bernabeu Stadium."

The NFL's decision to hold a game at the Santiago Bernabeu aligns with their ongoing efforts to expand the sport's global reach. In a move to further captivate international audiences, NFL owners recently voted to increase the number of international games per season from five to eight, starting in 2025.

Over the league's history, 50 regular-season NFL games have already been played outside of the United States. The NFL International Series has showcased matchups in various cities including London, Munich, Frankfurt, Mexico City and Toronto.

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who has had the opportunity to play in some of these international destinations, expressed his excitement about the chance to compete in Spain. Addressing reporters ahead of the Chiefs' Super Bowl showdown against the San Francisco 49ers, Kelce referred to the chance to play in Real Madrid's hallowed stadium as "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez echoed the sentiment, praising the decision as a mutually beneficial move for both his club and the NFL.

"The National Football League's arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu is a major event in sport history," he said. "This strategic alliance between Real Madrid and an organization of the NFL's prestige will boost our brands globally. It will be enthusiastically welcomed by millions of people on all continents, and it is an honor to embark on this journey together."

Since 1947, the Santiago Bernabeu has been the cherished home of Real Madrid. The process of renovating this legendary venue started in June 2019. With a license granted for construction and renovation works spanning three and a half years, the project aimed to breathe new life into the stadium.

The initial phase of the facelift involved meticulously dismantling the stadium's roof and undertaking the construction of impressive new towers on the west side of the grounds. Moreover, significant attention was dedicated to completely renovating the seating areas on the bottom two tiers, enhancing the overall spectator experience.

The new-look Santiago Bernabeu boasts remarkable features, including a cutting-edge retractable roof and a flexible pitch that can be removed and reassembled. These ingenious designs enable the stadium to host a diverse range of events, extending beyond football to include concerts, conventions, and, of course, the eagerly-awaited NFL games.