The Commanders' Long-Awaited European Return

Bienvenido a Madrid: A UK Commanders Fan's Dream for 2025

As a UK Commanders fan, the prospect of seeing my team play just a short flight away in Madrid next season has me absolutely buzzing.

We've been starved of seeing the burgundy and gold on this side of the Atlantic for far too long, and 2025 might finally be our year.

The Long Awaited Return

The Commanders are significantly overdue for an international appearance.

Their last (and only) international game was back in 2016, which ended in that rare 27-27 tie against the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley Stadium. Since then, 30 NFL teams have played internationally, some multiple times, while Washington has remained stateside.

The JD5 Factor

The global appeal of quarterback Jayden Daniels has created unprecedented international interest in the Commanders. His electric playing style and meteoric rise have made him one of the league's most marketable young stars.

The NFL would be daft not to capitalise on his star power in Europe. Every UK Commanders fan I know has been desperate to see JD5 in person, this makes him very accessible for Uk Commanders fans.

Why Miami Makes Sense

Looking at Miami's 2025 home schedule:

• Divisional games (Bills, Patriots, Jets) are unlikely to move internationally

• The Chargers are already committed to Brazil in September 2025

• Other home opponents like the Ravens (2023), Bengals (2019), Saints (2022), and Buccaneers (2022) have all played internationally more recently than Washington

When we examine teams by their international game drought:

• Only four teams have played just once internationally (Steelers, Cowboys, Commanders, Browns)

• The Browns already have a London game scheduled in 2025

• The Steelers are playing in Ireland in 2025

• The Cowboys don't play the Dolphins away this season

This leaves the Commanders as the obvious candidate for Miami's international home game.

Madrid: The Perfect Setting

Madrid's impressive Santiago Bernabéu Stadium would provide a spectacular backdrop for Washington's return to the international stage.

The NFL continues to prioritise Spain as a growth market, and showcasing an exciting young quarterback like Daniels would help accelerate interest in the region.

If Not Madrid, Then Where?

Should Madrid not materialise in 2025, the Commanders remain a prime candidate for international play in 2026 when the schedule reverts to nine home games. By then, it would have been a full decade since our last international appearance.

Another intriguing possibility is Abu Dhabi hosting a game, the Commanders have already established ties there through a Global Marketing deal. The 42,000-seat Zayed Sports City Stadium could host an NFL game, though most UK Commanders fans would prefer London for its accessibility.

Regardless of location, the wait is almost over. After years of staying home while other teams build international fanbases, the Commanders appear poised to finally take their talents overseas in 2025. I've got my fingers crossed and my passport ready!