Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium will reportedly host an NFL game in 2025, as part of the league’s expansion into Spain. Civitas Metropolitano, the home of their rivals, Atletico Madrid, was the other option. But in the end, Florentino Perez was able to convince the authorities to choose the Nuevo Bernabeu over their rivals.

The NFL’s plan is to have a week of festivities before the game in Spain. And the open space around the Metropolitano would have provided them with a great opportunity to do so without disrupting everyday life in the city.

Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu to host NFL game in 2025

But Perez was able to convince them that doing so around the Bernabeu, which is located in the middle of the city and around some of the busiest streets, would provide more exposure. He also suggested that fan parks could be opened up to generate awareness and excitement for the sport.

And barring a dispute over the details of the deal, it seems like Real Madrid’s stadium is where the NFL will launch its Spanish expansion.

The renovation of the Bernabeu would have allowed the ground to host a variety of other fixtures. And we are finally starting to see how things will pan out in the future, after the massive investment of time and resources into making the stadium the best that it can be.