The NFL launched its International Series on October 28, 2007, when the New York Giants faced the Miami Dolphins at London’s Wembley Stadium — marking the beginning of the NFL London Games. Starting in 2016, the series was split into two sub-series: the NFL London Games (four games per season hosted at Wembley Stadium, Twickenham Stadium, and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) and the NFL Mexico Game (one game per season at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca).
Since 2022, the league’s global expansion has continued at full speed, adding new host countries year after year — Germany, Brazil, Ireland, and now Spain. This weekend, the newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid will host a matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders.
Ahead of the highly anticipated game, several players expressed their excitement about playing in Madrid. Bobby Wagner, linebacker for the Washington Commanders, said he is proud to be part of the “first wave that came to change things” regarding the NFL’s international growth.
“Being part of this sport, its culture, and helping make it global is going to be something very special. When you expand the game, you try to reach more places and make it more inclusive. As it grows, more people become fans. It’s exciting to have more eyes on our games and on the sport,” Wagner explained.
His teammate and fellow linebacker Frankie Luvu described the game as “historic.” “It’s going to be super fun, there’s going to be a lot of energy… it’s going to be an amazing atmosphere,” he said.
Luvu also spoke about his personal connection to Real Madrid and the stadium where he will play on Sunday: “I grew up in a household that played soccer; I watched Cristiano, Ronaldinho, Real Madrid, Manchester United… it was always something I looked up to as a kid, and being here now is crazy.”
For his part, Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota said, “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine sitting here today. It’s incredible to see how the NFL is globalizing the sport and creating opportunities for us — allowing more people to experience the game we love. I’m excited and honored to be part of it.”
Still, as all three players emphasized, the main goal this weekend is winning. “We just have to work better and win. Winning allows us to achieve many things. It’s been a while since we’ve done that, and we need to. Adversity always challenges you — obstacles always show their beauty at the end of the story — and you can always use that to move forward in football and in life,” Wagner reflected.
Mariota also stressed the importance of finding balance between enjoying their time in Madrid and focusing on the task at hand to “make things work.”
