Vinícius Júnior Welcomes Miami Dolphins to NFL’s First-Ever Regular Season Game in Spain
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 09: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid reacts prior to the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and CA Osasuna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 09, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
The NFL continues its international expansion, this time with the confirmation of the team who will participate in its first game in Spain. The Miami Dolphins are set to play in 2025 at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid — home to Real Madrid C.F. The announcement was made by Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior and Miami Dolphins star Tua Tagovailoa.
In a video posted by Real Madrid, Tagovailoa says “It’s happening. Madrid, here we go.” before throwing a football. A sky view is show before Vini Jr. catches the football and says, “See you at the Bernabéu, Miami Dolphins. Welcome to Madrid.”
Another video was shared that showed various players from both teams intereacting, sharing jerseys, and posing for photos. They even have a notable moment with Vini Jr. putting on a helmet while wearing a Miami Dolphins jersey and running around.
“The exciting first-ever game in Spain underlines the NFL’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint and reaching new audiences across the world,” said Brett Gosper, the NFL’s Head of Europe and APAC. “The Miami Dolphins playing at the Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid C.F., showcases the global appeal of the league and of our sport, in what promises to be a historic moment.”
Who the Dolphins will play, the date of the game and the kickoff time will be announced when the 2025 NFL schedule is revealed this spring. The NFL will also play two regular season games in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the U.S. — featuring the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns as designated teams. And finally, the league will also host one game in Berlin, Germany at the Olympic Stadium Berlin, with the Indianapolis Colts as the designated team.
“We are thrilled to play the NFL’s inaugural game in Spain, a country of rich history, tradition and passion and home to a vibrant Dolphins fanbase,” said Tom Garfinkel, the Miami Dolphins Vice Chairman, President and CEO. “There is a hunger for football in this market, and we are proud to join with the NFL in growing the game internationally while engaging with old and new fans alike. With the unique synergy between Miami and Madrid, we believe this is only the beginning for us in this incredible region and we look forward to bringing the excitement and community of Dolphins football to Spain in 2025 and beyond.”
Both Real Madrid and the Miami Dolphins feature stars from our communities. Real Madrid features players like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Endrick, and Éder Militão. Meanwhile, the Dolphins feature Braxton Berrios and Bayron Matos.
