MADRID (AP) — In the Spanish capital, the Madrid Bravos are emerging as a prominent choice for sports enthusiasts, overshadowing local giants like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. The newly established American football team has started to capture the interest of fans in a country traditionally dominated by soccer.
As the Bravos wrap up their second season in the European League of Football, they aim to leverage the increased visibility generated by Spain hosting its inaugural regular-season NFL game this weekend. The Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders are set to face off on Sunday at the legendary Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, a matchup that has generated significant local excitement.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn highlighted the Bravos in his initial press conference upon arrival, donning a Bravos No. 12 jersey and extending a “quick shoutout” to the team. This gesture exemplifies the growing recognition of American football in Spain, where approximately 11 million fans follow the NFL.
The Bravos have seen a notable increase in attendance, averaging 3,000 fans at their games at Vallehermoso Stadium, a significant rise from about 1,000 during their inaugural season. The team focuses on providing a family-friendly atmosphere, complete with tailgate parties, mascots, cheerleaders, and various halftime entertainment options, making the games appealing to both devoted fans and newcomers alike.
Simon Mabille, a founding member of a Bravos fan club, expressed his preference for the Bravos over a Real Madrid game, citing the interactive experience and stronger connection between players and fans as key factors. “That adds another dimension to it, something you don”t get in professional soccer,” he remarked.
NFL”s Influence on Local Interest
The NFL”s presence in Spain is fostering greater interest in American football, benefiting the Bravos in the process. Jaime Martín, the owner and general manager of the Bravos, stated, “The NFL helps give more visibility to the sport. With Spain on the NFL map, more people are talking about American football, and when that happens, they will also talk about the Bravos and the local teams.”
Founded in 2023, the Bravos represent a semi-professional effort to capitalize on the growing enthusiasm for American football, inspired by the NFL”s international expansion and the early successes of the European League of Football. The team has made playoff appearances in its first two seasons, although it faced early exits both times against the eventual league champions.
“We are trying to build our fan base in these initial years,” Martín noted. “Our goal for next season is to have 5,000 attendees at our matches. Ideally, we will eventually need a larger stadium, indicating that our project is thriving.”
Changes in the European League of Football
The European League of Football began in Germany in 2021 with eight teams, filling the gap left by the dissolution of NFL Europe in 2007 due to financial issues. Currently, 16 teams participate, but uncertainty looms over the league”s format for 2026, as teams, including the Bravos, have called for structural reforms to ensure economic fairness and transparency for sustainable growth.
“We aim to push for professionalization both at the league and team levels,” stated Martín. During its first season, the Bravos played alongside the Barcelona Dragons, a former franchise that co-founded NFL Europe but ultimately ceased operations due to financial difficulties.
The NFL staged its first exhibition game in Spain back in 1993, featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers against the San Francisco 49ers, drawing a crowd of nearly 40,000 fans.
Player Development and Local Talent
Last season, the Bravos” quarterback was Reid Sinnett, who previously played for the active rosters of the Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cincinnati Bengals. Sinnett, who threw for almost 4,000 yards and secured the league MVP title, expressed optimism about the growth of the sport in Spain, noting the increasing opportunities for young players.
He acknowledged that while American football in Europe is still quite different from the NFL, the experience allows players to travel and explore diverse cultures. The Bravos also featured wide receiver Aron Cruickshank, who had stints with the practice squads of the Steelers and the Chicago Bears.
Next season, the team will be led by coach Dave Warner, who has previous experience at Michigan State and has worked with quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins, Brian Hoyer, and Nick Foles. His offensive line coach will be Terry Malone, who was part of the coaching staff when the New Orleans Saints clinched the Super Bowl in 2010.
Unlike the past iteration of NFL Europe, the ELF prioritizes local talent, allowing only ten foreign players per team, with a maximum of four from the United States. This strategy aims to nurture homegrown talent, enabling players to learn from those with more experience.
Defensive lineman Victor dos Santos expressed the significance of playing at a professional level in one”s own country, stating, “It”s pretty cool to play with some of these players who were in the NFL or played in college in the U.S. They help everyone grow with their experience and knowledge.”
Most players, including Dos Santos, hold temporary contracts and must maintain regular jobs alongside their football commitments. Dos Santos works at a technology company. However, he remains hopeful that as the league expands, opportunities will arise for players to dedicate themselves fully to the sport.
