(Source: Miami Times)
The NFL made history in Madrid, Spain, hosting its first-ever regular-season game in the country, and the Miami Dolphins (4-7) made sure the moment was unforgettable. In front of a roaring international crowd of 78,610 people, the Dolphins edged out the Washington Commanders, securing a hard-fought 16–13 victory that cemented Miami’s place in global football history.
The Nov. 16 matchup at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabéu wasn’t just about the final score. The week in Madrid was a full-on Dolphins takeover, filled with fan activations, cultural experiences, and unprecedented engagement that turned the city aqua. From massive crowds in Plaza de España to a record in international outreach, Miami made the most of every moment to deepen its global footprint.
And it wasn’t just historic for the teams — referee Shawn Smith also became the first NFL official to ever lead a game on Spanish soil, a milestone emphasizing the league’s expanding international reach.
A historic game in Madrid
Under the bright lights of a soccer cathedral retrofitted for American football, the Dolphins and Commanders delivered a tense, defensive battle that came down to discipline, resilience, and lessons learned.
Miami’s composure stood out from the opening whistle. Quarterback efficiency, sharp defensive execution, and key late-game stops defined the Dolphins’ effort. Whether it was pressure packages, clock management, or special team precision, Miami maintained control long enough to put Washington away and secure the win.
The environment was electric, with thousands waving aqua flags, singing, chanting, and embracing American football with European flair. Dolphins fans traveled across borders, and locals embraced their temporary home team, creating one of the most unique game atmospheres of the NFL season.
Miami’s defense and special teams made the difference in the game as cornerback Jack Jones secured the interception in overtime, followed by a 29-yard game-winning field goal by kicker Riley Patterson.
De’Von Achane led all running backs with 21 carries for 120 yards. Rookie running back Ollie Gordon II scored the first Dolphins touchdown in Spain, and linebacker Jordan Brooks had 20 tackles, which is the most in international game history.
The Dolphins have played regular-season games in five different countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and now Spain.
Now heading into the bye week, the Miami Dolphins have momentum for the final stretch of the regular season. Up next for the Dolphins: vs. New Orleans Saints (Nov. 30); at New York Jets (Dec. 7); at Pittsburgh Steelers (Dec. 15); vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Dec. 28); at New England Patriots (Jan. 4).
Lessons from Frankfurt
After falling short in Frankfurt in the 2023 season, head coach Mike McDaniel made it clear his team wasn’t going to repeat old mistakes. This time around, the Dolphins arrived prepared — not only for the opponent, but for the environment, the media spotlight, and the international stage.
McDaniel explained the two biggest takeaways he applied in Madrid:
- Be game-day ready, especially on a soccer field.
Playing on a European soccer field presents turf differences that NFL players aren’t used to.
“You have to be game-day ready,” said McDaniel. “When you’re playing on soccer fields, for your footing, there are various ways to adjust. We minimized any controllables of slipping based on their footwear and their focus.”
Miami emphasized footwear, warmups, and practice habits to ensure players were comfortable with the surface. The result? Few footing issues, sharp route running, and consistent performance throughout the game.
- Handle the Super Bowl-level media environment.
McDaniel highlighted the emotional and mental demands of being in the international spotlight.
“It feels similar to the coverage of the Super Bowl, a full auditorium at your press conference,” said McDaniel. “We did a better job of getting guys prepared for the bells and whistles so that we could focus on football.”
By preparing players for the spectacle of cameras, media, and international attention, the Dolphins stayed poised and emotionally consistent. That steadiness proved crucial in a close, physical game decided by execution in the final minutes.
“I think we started and stayed consistent throughout the game from an emotional standpoint, which I was very proud of,” said McDaniel.
With those two key lessons, Miami turned its frustration in Frankfurt into mastery in Madrid.
Madrid turns aqua
If the NFL’s goal was to grow the sport internationally, the Dolphins went above and beyond. From Thursday, Nov. 13, through Saturday, Nov. 15, La Plaza De España transformed into the ultimate Miami Dolphins Fan Zone, presented by Sports Illustrated Tickets. And the turnout? Massive.
Over 50,000 people visited the plaza throughout the week, making it one of the most successful team-driven international activations in NFL history.
Located in the heart of Madrid, the plaza became a must-see attraction for tourists, locals, and traveling Dolphins fans. The Fan Zone operated daily, delivering non-stop entertainment and authentic NFL energy.
Fan Zone highlights included football skills challenges, Interactive games and trivia, a main stage featuring live entertainment, daily giveaways and contests, food and beverage experiences inspired by Miami culture, and appearances from Miami Dolphins players, cheerleaders, and alumni.
The Dolphins created a hub that felt both uniquely Miami and unmistakably global.
But the Fan Zone was just the beginning.
As part of their “Paint Madrid Aqua” campaign, the Dolphins lit up iconic sites across the city with aqua-themed imagery, team branding, and Miami-style flair. Major landmarks and high-traffic areas showcased customized Dolphins visuals, making it clear that Miami had officially arrived in Spain.
This strategy didn’t just build hype — it strengthened brand identity, expanded the Dolphins’ global following, and positioned Miami as one of the league’s most internationally engaged franchises.
Touring Madrid
In addition to activations, the Dolphins offered free tours of Madrid to fans throughout the week, showcasing Spain’s culture while deepening connections with supporters from around the world.
These excursions, ranging from historic walks to cultural highlights, allowed the Dolphins to merge sports engagement with international appreciation, creating a meaningful bond between the franchise and the Spanish community.
The organization’s commitment to fan experience resonated deeply. Families, tourists, and locals alike were treated to a blend of Miami excitement and Madrid tradition, making the entire week feel like a festival leading into game day.
A win for Miami, a win for the NFL
The Miami Dolphins’ 16–13 victory will go down as the headline, but the week in Madrid symbolizes much more: The NFL expanded its European footprint; Madrid embraced American football with enthusiasm and spectacle; the Miami Dolphins set a new standard for global fan engagement; and Smith made history as the first referee to officiate an NFL game in Spain.
From painting Madrid aqua to showing composure in a tight international showdown, the Dolphins left Spain with both a win and a wave of new supporters.
