**Dan Marino Headlines Miami Dolphins Fan Zone Ahead of NFL’s Historic Madrid Game**
MADRID — Dreary skies and rain didn’t stop football aficionados from various countries lining up around the block at the Miami Dolphins fan zone in Plaza de España to see Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino address the crowd.
Large helmets of the Dolphins and their Sunday opponents, the Washington Commanders, were displayed in front of the remarkable architecture of Madrid City Hall, facing the Spanish city’s iconic Plaza de Cibeles.
At Parque del Retiro, Madrid’s version of New York’s Central Park, an inflatable Dolphins mascot, TD, was stationed by a large lake, with the Monument of King Alfonso XII serving as a stunning backdrop. Nearby, the aptly named Fuente de los Delfines—or Dolphins Fountain—is illuminated aqua at night.
Many Dolphins fans from around the world converged on Madrid this weekend, some heading to Collins Irish Tavern for the team’s official pub party.
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### Dolphins and NFL Takeover in Spain Culminates at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The Dolphins (3-7) and the NFL’s Madrid takeover, which aims to bring American football to a nation traditionally focused on fútbol (soccer), finally culminates in Sunday’s 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time kickoff against the Commanders (3-7) at the historic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This landmark game marks the league’s first-ever contest in Spain.
This inter-conference matchup between two teams with losing records and several injured starters carries more significance for the NFL’s initiative to grow the sport internationally than it does for the standings. The early result won’t impact any 4 p.m. playoff picture graphics as the 1 p.m. slate of games concludes on Sunday.
The Dolphins are at the forefront of the league’s international push. President and CEO Tom Garfinkel emphasized to ESPN in a recent interview that the Dolphins want to become the “NFL team of the Spanish-speaking world.”
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### Playing at the Home of Real Madrid
The Dolphins’ “home game” takes place at Santiago Bernabéu, the home of one of the world’s most successful soccer clubs, Real Madrid, who boast a record 15 UEFA Champions League titles and 36 La Liga championships.
“I’d have to assume it’d be like playing baseball in Yankee Stadium,” said Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. “It’s going to be an honor. We certainly won’t take it for granted and hopefully we can carry on the winning tradition that’s been going on there for years.”
Spain’s historic venue, originally opened in 1947, underwent renovations completed in 2024 and now features a retractable roof—a welcome feature given the rainy weather Madrid has experienced all weekend.
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### Dolphins Eye a Path Back to Respectability
Both teams enter the game well out of playoff contention, but the Dolphins might have reason for optimism after impressive wins in two of their last three games, including last Sunday’s 30-13 domination of division rival Buffalo Bills.
If Miami handles business as favorite against a Washington squad without standout second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Dolphins will enter their bye week with a 4-7 record. They would then return home to face the New Orleans Saints (2-8) before traveling to play the New York Jets (2-8), presenting a realistic path to 6-7 before the season’s final stretch.
Without Daniels, Washington’s offense will be led by veteran backup Marcus Mariota. This sets up a unique matchup of two Polynesian quarterbacks from Hawaii meeting on the field in Madrid.
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### Key Players to Watch
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will face a depleted Washington defense missing cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos (both on injured reserve) and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Daron Payne (suspended).
Tagovailoa’s connection with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has strengthened since star Miami speedster Tyreek Hill suffered a season-ending knee injury.
“When you’re the No. 1 receiver and the team is depending on you to be that, generally your targets come in critical situations,” said coach Mike McDaniel. “In those situations, the team rises or falls based upon your execution of what people are depending on you to execute. Jaylen Waddle has always had the talent to do almost anything on the football field.”
Running back De’Von Achane could excite the NFL’s international fan base after ranking fourth in rushing yards (78) and third in rushing average (5.4 yards per carry) this season. He posted 225 yards from scrimmage—including 174 rushing yards—and two touchdowns against Buffalo last week.
“I did have a great game, but I ain’t the only one out there,” Achane said. “As an offense, I feel like we played great but we just have to keep that same motivation going and make sure it carries on.”
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### Family Reunion and Cultural Exchange
For Dolphins left tackle Patrick Paul, this game also represented a personal milestone, as he reunited with his brother, Commanders left guard Chris Paul, for the first time this season.
“It’s been great seeing him out here in Spain,” Paul said after they explored Madrid together upon arrival Tuesday. “It’s definitely crazy, me not having seen him in months and the first time we link up is in Spain. Definitely it’s been a blessing, just everything with that. It’s been great.”
Throughout the week, Dolphins players, coaches, and executives have interacted with Spanish soccer stars—especially from Atlético Madrid—after practicing at their home stadium, Estadio Metropolitano.
Now, it’s time for the Dolphins to take their game abroad and continue making history.
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/11/15/dolphins-madrid-takeover-leads-to-nfls-first-game-in-spain-vs-commanders/