Madrid, Spain – In a landmark moment for international American football, the NFL Spain Debut saw the Miami Dolphins secure a thrilling 16-13 overtime victory against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 16, 2025. The historic game marked the National Football League’s (NFL) first-ever regular-season contest on Spanish soil, held at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid C.F. The closely fought battle culminated in a game-winning field goal by Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson, etching this contest into the annals of NFL Sports history, and making the NFL Spain Debut a resounding success.
A New Frontier: NFL Spain Debut in Madrid
The atmosphere in Madrid was electric as the league brought its premier product to a new continent for the NFL Spain Debut. The Santiago Bernabéu, a venue renowned for its storied soccer history, was transformed to host this groundbreaking news event. Spain now becomes the fourth European nation, following the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ireland, to host an official NFL regular-season game. The stadium, recently undergoing extensive renovations, provided a world-class backdrop for the nearly 84,000 fans in attendance. The demand for tickets was immense for the NFL Spain Debut, with initial sales windows seeing hundreds of thousands of devices attempting to secure seats, highlighting a burgeoning interest in American football within Spain and across Europe.
The NFL’s expansion into Spain is a key component of its Global Markets Program, aimed at fostering fan bases and growing the sport internationally. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was present for the historic occasion, praising the NFL Spain Debut and confirming the league’s intention to return to Spain. “We will be back, we are excited,” Goodell stated, emphasizing Madrid’s potential as a significant market for the league. The success of this inaugural game is expected to pave the way for future contests, youth clinics, and long-term development projects for American football in the country, solidifying the NFL Spain Debut as a historical event.
Overtime Thriller Decides Historic Dolphins Commanders Madrid Matchup
The game itself was a tense, defensive struggle that mirrored the anticipation surrounding the NFL Spain Debut. Both teams entered the contest with a 3-7 record, each desperately seeking momentum. The Dolphins struck first in the overtime period after winning the coin toss and electing to receive. The Commanders’ quarterback, Marcus Mariota, attempting to force a pass, was intercepted by Dolphins cornerback Jack Jones, who returned it to Washington’s 33-yard line. This crucial turnover set up Riley Patterson for a 29-yard field goal, which he calmly converted to secure the dramatic victory for the Miami Dolphins in the first NFL Spain Debut.
Throughout regulation, the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders traded blows. The game was tied 6-6 at halftime. Washington managed to take a 13-6 lead in the third quarter with a touchdown pass from Mariota to Deebo Samuel. However, the Dolphins responded in the fourth quarter with a touchdown run by Ollie Gordon II, leveling the score at 13-13. Both teams had opportunities to win in the final minutes of regulation, but missed field goal attempts and a goal-line stand by the Commanders defense kept the game knotted, setting the stage for an overtime finish at the NFL Spain Debut.
Key performances included Dolphins running back De’Von Achane, who led the team with 120 rushing yards and 165 all-purpose yards, and kicker Riley Patterson, who converted all three of his field goal attempts, including the historic game-winner. For the Commanders, Mariota, filling in for an injured Jayden Daniels, completed 20 of 30 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown, but his costly interception ultimately sealed their fate in the NFL Spain Debut.
Expanding the Global Footprint: The NFL International Games
This game was the seventh and final international contest of the 2025 NFL season, setting a new record for the league’s global reach. The NFL plans to further expand its international schedule, with future NFL Spain Debut games already being considered, and confirmed presence in Australia, Brazil, and Mexico, and continued presence in London and Germany. The league’s commitment to international growth is substantial, with Commissioner Goodell envisioning a future where each team plays a game abroad annually, making the NFL Spain Debut a stepping stone.
The financial implications for Madrid are also significant, with the regional government estimating the game would generate approximately $81.2 million in revenue. While the NFL faces a challenge in sports-rich European markets where soccer reigns supreme, the league views these NFL international games as vital for long-term brand building and fan engagement. The success in Madrid demonstrates the sport’s growing appeal and the potential for further integration into global sports culture, proving the NFL Spain Debut was a wise decision.
Dolphins’ Momentum Builds, Commanders Face Continued Struggles at the NFL Spain Debut
The overtime victory marked the Miami Dolphins’ second consecutive win, improving their season record to 4-7 and signaling a potential turn-around in their campaign. Under coach Mike McDaniel, the team has shown flashes of strong offensive and defensive play, with players like Achane and Patterson stepping up. The win at the NFL Spain Debut provides a significant boost to Miami’s confidence as they continue their season.
For the Washington Commanders, the loss extended their losing streak and deepened their season’s disappointment. After reaching the NFC Championship Game the previous season, their 2025 campaign has been a struggle, characterized by offensive inconsistencies and defensive lapses. The loss in Madrid adds another chapter to a difficult year for the Commanders, who now return home to face continued scrutiny after the inaugural NFL Spain Debut.
In conclusion, the Miami Dolphins’ hard-fought overtime victory over the Washington Commanders in Madrid was more than just a game; it was a historic milestone for the NFL and a testament to the league’s expanding global ambitions. As the final whistle blew at the Santiago Bernabéu, the NFL had successfully planted its flag in Spain, promising more exciting international news and sports spectacles for fans worldwide, all stemming from the monumental NFL Spain Debut.
