The NFL Lights Up Madrid: A Historic First Game at the Bernabéu

The legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, freshly transformed, futuristic, and already iconic, opened its doors to a roaring crowd for an unforgettable matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders.

From the moment fans entered the stadium, they could feel it: this was a milestone not only for American football, but for Spain. The Bernabéu looked spectacular, buzzing with lights, music, and the energy of almost 80,000 fans. Cheerleaders, fan zones, and a full pre-game ceremony brought a true Super Bowl atmosphere to the heart of Madrid.

Throughout the week, the city embraced NFL culture with open arms. Pop-up activations filled plazas, families explored interactive fan parks, and Madrid’s iconic avenues dressed up in NFL colors. Our Crafted for Spain travelers enjoyed exclusive boutique experiences, from VIP hospitality to curated cultural moments woven around the game. A celebration of sport, lifestyle, and Madrid’s unstoppable energy.

This historic weekend was more than a game. It was Madrid confirming its place among the world’s top sporting destinations. Madrid as a world Sporting Capital.

And the momentum continues. Madrid is not slowing down, it’s becoming the European home of global sports. 2026 Is already making headlines:

• NFL returns to Madrid in 2026 — the league has confirmed a second regular-season game after the overwhelming success of this year.

• UFC lands in Spain — with global excitement surrounding Spain’s own champion, Ilia Topuria, the city prepares to host a massive fight night.

• Formula 1 arrives in September 2026 — bringing a festival of speed and innovation to the capital.

Ready to live it like an Insider?

At Crafted for Spain Boutique Travel, we specialize in boutique, tailored sports travel experiences. This year, our guests enjoyed the NFL week in Madrid with comfort, style, insider experiences and privileged access, a one-of-a-kind experience.

Do you want to live it next year? Stay tuned with Crafted for Spain Boutique Travel and contact us to start shaping your 2026 sports journey: NFL, UFC, F1, and more.

Your next unforgettable boutique moment in Spain is already waiting.