The NFL chooses the Dolphins to play in the league's first game in Spain as the international series grows.

The NFL has chosen the Miami Dolphins to participate in its inaugural game in Europe, which will take place in Madrid, Spain in 2025.

The NFL has not yet specified a date for the game, but it will occur during the 2025 regular season. The opposing team for the Dolphins will be revealed at a later time.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the longtime home of Real Madrid CF, will host the Dolphins as the designated "home" team. The stadium has a soccer field that retracts to make way for a field that can be used for American football. The stadium has a capacity of just over 78,000.

Dolphins president and CEO Tom Garfinkel expressed excitement about the team's participation in the NFL's first game in Spain, a country steeped in history, tradition, and fervor, and home to a lively Dolphins fan base.

"We are thrilled to be part of the NFL's efforts to expand football globally and connect with fans in this market. Our partnership with Miami and Madrid has great potential, and we are confident that this is just the beginning of our success in this region. We are excited to bring the passion and camaraderie of Dolphins football to Spain in 2025 and beyond."

The NFL announced that the Dolphins will play in Madrid in 2025, less than a year after the league revealed it would host a game at Bernabéu Stadium. Additionally, the Dolphins have international marketing rights in Spain as part of the league's Global Markets Program.

Brett Gosper, the NFL's head of Europe and APAC, stated that the first-ever game in Spain highlights the league's dedication to expanding its global presence and reaching new audiences worldwide.

The Dolphins will participate in their eighth international game next season, with a record of 2-5 in games played outside the U.S. Their most recent international appearance was in 2023, when they faced the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany.

The NFL is expanding its global presence in pursuit of new fans and revenue streams. Collaborating with a top soccer club is a powerful marketing opportunity.

Real Madrid's institutional relations director, Emilio Butragueño, stated that the partnership with the NFL will bring one of the world's most prestigious sporting competitions to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, which has hosted millions of passionate fans from around the globe to enjoy incredible sporting experiences.

The NFL has planned up to eight international regular-season games next season, with three games scheduled in London and one in Germany, in addition to the game in Spain.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Subscribe to the Planet Chronicle Sports Huddle newsletter and follow Planet Chronicle Digital's sports coverage on X.