Atletico Madrid duo pay tribute to Santiago Bernabeu ahead of NFL game – ‘Important for Spain’ | OneFootball

The newly transformed Santiago Bernabeu once again cemented its status as a global entertainment hub this Sunday, hosting the historic first-ever regular-season NFL game played on Spanish soil between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders.

Attracting worldwide attention, the event also drew some surprising celebrity guests, including a pair of rivals: Atlético Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann and captain Koke.

Neither of the two Atletico stars was shy of praising the Bernabeu for hosting such a landmark NFL contest.

Griezmann and Koke praise the Bernabeu

Griezmann, a noted NFL enthusiast, was interviewed by the broadcasters the game before kickoff.

He spoke about the immense significance of the event for the country: “I’m really excited, the NFL is finally coming to Spain. I think it’s going to be a great game, and it’s important for Spain to have a game like this,” he said (h/t Defensa Central).

Koke was present alongside Griezmann to watch the NFL at the Bernabeu. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Griezmann attended the match with his children and his Atletico Madrid teammate Koke.

Koke, who famously attended Super Bowl LIX alongside Griezmann earlier in the year, echoed his teammate’s enthusiasm, emphasizing the long-term fandom of the sport.

“It’s a very exciting day. We’ve been watching the NFL for many years, and it’s very important for Madrid,” he said.

The matchup itself—a Week 11 clash between the Dolphins and Commanders, both teams holding identical 3-7 records—was secondary to the spectacle.

The event successfully continued the NFL’s strategy of expanding its European footprint, following successful games in London, Munich, and Frankfurt.

Unlike local football matches, the modernized Bernabeu stands began filling up well before kickoff while hosting many footballing celebrities including former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane.