The figure Real Madrid will earn from the historic NFL game at Santiago Bernabeu – report | OneFootball

The Santiago Bernabeu once again placed itself at the centre of the global sporting map, but this time for a reason far removed from football. 

The stadium reached a historic milestone by hosting an NFL regular-season game between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders, the first time such an event had ever taken place in Spain. 

The occasion instantly became a landmark moment not only for the NFL but also for Real Madrid, whose newly renovated arena continues to show its versatility.

Royalties at the venue

As expected from an event of this magnitude, the Bernabeu welcomed an impressive list of stars. 

One of the most memorable scenes came when Iker Casillas, Spain’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, exchanged a warm embrace with Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa, a legend in his own right. 

Furthermore, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was also in attendance and shared a greeting with Zinedine Zidane as the night carried the unmistakable feel of a world-class sporting celebration.

And the finances

Beyond the spectacle, attention soon shifted to the economic impact of hosting such an event. 

According to figures reported by Defensa Central, Real Madrid stand to benefit massively. 

Estimates suggest the NFL game generated more than €80 million once ticket sales, tourism influx, hospitality spending, and wider commercial activity around Madrid are factored in. 

For the Bernabeu, it marks one of the most profitable non-football events ever held at the stadium.

This strategy mirrors the model Tottenham Hotspur adopted with their state-of-the-art stadium, which reportedly brings in close to €85 million annually thanks to a long-term partnership with the NFL. 

Real Madrid intend to follow a similar path, positioning the Bernabeu as a year-round multi-event venue rather than a stadium used only for football.

With the club’s home matches paused until December 7th due to scheduling, the NFL’s arrival fits perfectly into the organisation’s ambition.