The NFL will hold its first ever game in Spain, with Real Madrid's Bernabeu Stadium chosen to host a 2025 regular season match-up.
Speaking in Las Vegas ahead of the Super Bowl, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell explained the reasons behind the decision, as the league continues to branch out in Europe following regular games in London and Germany.
'Playing a game in Madrid in 2025 highlights the continued expansion of the league's global footprint and the accelerated ambitions to take our game to more fans around the world,' he said.
'We are proud to partner with Real Madrid C.F., a global brand, together with the City of Madrid and Comunidad de Madrid, to bring a spectacular regular season game to Spain at the world-class Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.'
'The National Football League's arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu is a major event in sport history,' Real Madrid president Florentino Perez added. 'This strategic alliance between Real Madrid and an organization of the NFL's prestige will boost our brands globally. It will be enthusiastically welcomed by millions of people on all continents, and it is an honor to embark on this journey together.'
Fifty regular season NFL games have so far been played outside America, with London hosting most, and Munich, Frankfurt, Mexico City and Toronto also getting a taste of the sport.
Sao Paulo, Brazil will host a game in 2024 at Corinthians' soccer stadium, becoming the first NFL game ever to take place in South America.
Madrid is the first new addition to the International Games for 2025, and it is as yet undecided which teams will head across the pond to Europe.
More to follow.