NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Has High Praise For Game In Spain
Roger Goodell is on a mission, and it looks a lot like world domination. The NFL commissioner has been jet-setting more than a rock star, wrapping up a seven-game international tour that’s seen American football pop up in some pretty unexpected places. This year’s grand finale? A nail-biter in Madrid, where the Dolphins edged out the Commanders 16-13 in overtime, right in the hallowed halls of Real Madrid’s Santiago BernabĂ©u Stadium.
Before the game, Goodell basically confirmed that the NFL’s Spanish fling was more than just a one-night stand. “We will be back, we are excited,” he said to the local press. You could almost hear the collective cheer from future expats craving a slice of home.
This year’s global experiment was the most ambitious yet. The league planted its flag in Dublin and Berlin for the first time, kicked things off in SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil, and of course, made its annual pilgrimage to London for a triple-header. By all accounts, Goodell sees this as just the beginning.
Goodell’s Vision For a Global NFL
Goodell’s plan isn’t just about collecting passport stamps. The end game is to turn the NFL into a truly global brand. He’s talking about a future where every single team plays a game abroad each year. That’s a whopping 16-game international slate. It sounds crazy, but then again, so did playing a regular season game in Germany a few years ago.
“It’s been spectacular,” Goodell said to the NFL Network. “Finishing here in Madrid, it just feels right.” It’s hard to argue with the vibe. A crowd of over 78,000 packed into a legendary soccer stadium to watch a game that, to many of them, is still a foreign concept. That’s a powerful statement.
What’s Next On Goodell’s Itinerary?
The 2026 season is already shaping up to be even bigger. The league is heading Down Under for a debut in Melbourne, Australia, which Goodell admits will be a “big learning test.” They’re also adding another game in Brazil, this time in Rio de Janeiro.
And it doesn’t stop there. Goodell hinted that they’re “thinking about” a couple more new cities. “So many other cities are reaching out,” he said. It seems everyone wants a piece of the NFL pie. While he didn’t drop any names, the rumor mill is churning. Asia has been mentioned. Could we see a game in Tokyo? Seoul? The possibilities seem endless under Goodell’s ambitious leadership.
One thing’s for sure: Goodell is playing the long game. What started as a novelty act in London has morphed into a full-blown global expansion. Whether you’re a fan of seeing your team give up a home game or not, you have to admit, the man has a vision. The NFL is no longer just America’s game; it’s knocking on the world’s door, and it’s not taking no for an answer.
