For Immediate Release: July 17, 2025
Contact: Alyssa McMurtry
amcmurtry@raben.co
(248) 840-3597
EMBASSY OF SPAIN, FRIENDS HELD RECEPTION CELEBRATING COMMANDERS V. DOLPHINS IN MADRID
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Embassy of Spain, in partnership with the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, was honored to host a special reception in anticipation of the National Football League’s (NFL) fall Washington Commanders versus the Miami Dolphins game in Madrid, Spain. This marks the first ever regular-season NFL game held in Spain and will serve as an opportunity to strengthen the connection between our two nations. Ángeles Moreno Bau, Ambassador of Spain to the U.S., and Estuardo V. Rodriguez, President and CEO, Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, along with Brendon Plack, SVP Government Affairs for NFL led the observance and celebration applauding the role of sports as a means to increased diplomacy and shared economic growth.
As Ambassador Moreno noted, “the Commanders and the Dolphins are not just teams; they are inspirations: their coaches, players, and staff have built more than successful names. They have become role models for young people across the United States—and I believe it will not be long before they inspire a new generation in Spain as well. These athletes show us what dedication, teamwork, and resilience look like. They are proof that hard work brings greatness.”
The reception, “Reimagining Global Dialogue Through Sport,” took place on July 15 at the Residence of the Ambassador of Spain. Athletes, business leaders and policymakers who cherish the sport and the community it fosters were present. Former Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins players were joined by representatives from the NFL for a brief panel discussion on the importance of expanding the reach of NFL games to fan abroad. In addition, NFL and Riddell presented commemorative helmets and jerseys to the evening’s hosts and special guests.
“This game comes at an opportune moment as the United States is less than a year away from celebrating its 250th anniversary and Spain has a significant role in not only founding some of the first cities across the United States but also as a key partner and resource of supplies for General George Washinton and his military,” stated Estuardo Rodriguez. “We must celebrate the rich diversity of the founding of our nation that was instrumental then, and continues to be today, the secret of our success.”
“We’re thrilled to host our first-ever regular season game in Spain this season, as we continue to expand the league’s global footprint around the world. Spain has a rich sporting landscape and passionate sport fandom – with more than 11M fans of the NFL across the country,” said Head of Europe and APAC at the NFL Brett Gosper. “We’re looking forward to continuing to grow the game at every level in Spain in the years ahead, and to bring this historic matchup between the Dolphins and the Commanders to Madrid and the iconic Bernabéu Stadium in November.”
“We are honored to play in the NFL’s first-ever game in Spain, a country of rich culture, history and passion for sport,” said Pri Shumate, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Miami Dolphins. “As we keep our eyes on the upcoming game, we also understand the importance of building meaningful and lasting relationships that help grow the sport of American football and its fanbase internationally through authentic engagement. We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to connecting with the passionate and welcoming local community in Spain later this year.”
“The Washington Commanders are incredibly excited to be part of NFL history as we gear up to play in the league’s first-ever regular season game in Madrid, Spain,” said Patrick Arthur, Chief Marketing Officer, Washington Commanders. “This is a tremendous milestone for our organization that presents a unique opportunity to not only showcase our team on a global stage at the iconic Bernabéu Stadium, but grow our brand and fanbase internationally. We look forward to continuing to build meaningful connections with our longtime fans while also reaching a new audience.”
The attendees included:
Ángeles Moreno Bau, Ambassador of Spain to the U.S.;
Estuardo V. Rodriguez, CEO of FRIENDS and founder of Intersect Public Affairs;
Muriel Bowser, Mayor of DC;
Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor of DC;
Terron Armstead, NFL Player for Miami Dolphins;
Larry Kennedy Jr., Key Account Manager, Elite Athlete and Coach Liaison at Riddell
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About Embassy of Spain, Washington, D.C.
The Embassy of Spain in the United States plays a central role in strengthening the deep and historic bonds between our two nations, rooted in more than five centuries of shared history and democratic values. It fosters broad bilateral cooperation across key areas such as defense, trade, science, education, and culture. Equally important, the Embassy promotes meaningful people-to-people connections—supporting the Spanish-speaking community, encouraging academic exchange, and advancing cultural engagement that brings our societies closer together.
https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/washington/en/Paginas/index.aspx
About Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino
The Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino strives to create a museum in our nation’s capital to educate, inspire and encourage respect and understanding of the richness and diversity of the American Latino experience within the U.S. and its territories by highlighting the contributions made by Latino leaders, pioneers and communities to the American way of life. The FRIENDS organization is not affiliated in any way with the Smithsonian Institution.
www.americanlatinomuseum.org