Falcons star Bijan Robinson, friend of Vinicius and fan of FIFA, talks NFL Madrid Game

The Atlanta Falcons will be the home team for the second edition of the NFL’s Madrid Game in 2026, set to take place at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The team, which has been part of the league for 60 years, was selected by the NFL as one of the teams participating in its growing slate of international games.

While details such as the exact date (reportedly targeting Nov. 15) and the opponent (with the Chicago Bears among the leading candidates) have yet to be confirmed, Falcons players are already looking forward to the trip.

On Wednesday, Atlanta stars Bijan Robinson and Xavier Watts spoke with Spanish media about the highly anticipated matchup.

Bijan Robinson, Vinicius Jr.’s friend and soccer fan

Regardless of who Atlanta faces, Robinson will likely be the biggest draw. The 24-year-old running back from Tucson, Arizona, has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s elite players at his position in just three seasons.

“Vinicius might beat me by a yard or so. That guy is really fast.”

Bijan Robinson

Robinson is also a passionate soccer fan, something he credits partly to countless hours playing the FIFA video game with friends. His connection to the sport runs deeper, though. He’s also friends with Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid, after the two were introduced by a jeweler they both know.

Speaking about the upcoming game in Madrid, Robinson shared his excitement.

“I’m super excited to go out there. I know the team is as well,” Robinson said. “I know the prestige and how big Real Madrid is. It’s one of my favorite teams, not only because I have a friend there, Vini, but because of what the club represents. Being able to bring American football to Spain and expand the game globally is incredible. I’m excited to meet the people, experience the culture and see how sports are lived on the other side of the ocean. Playing in that stadium and seeing how the fans respond will be amazing.”

Robinson also hopes to spend time with Vinícius while in Madrid.

“I’ve heard the food there is amazing, so I’m excited to try it,” he said. “And of course I want to visit my friend Vini. He lives not too far from there, so I’d love to see how he lives and what he does around the city.”

When asked who would win in a foot race between them, Robinson laughed.

“In a straight line? Vini is fast, super fast,” Robinson said. “I’m going to say I’d win just out of confidence. But honestly he might beat me by a yard or so. That guy is really fast.”

A love for soccer and Ronaldo

Robinson said his appreciation for soccer has grown steadily over the years.

“I didn’t grow up playing a lot of soccer, but my love for the sport grew from playing FIFA with my friends and then watching LaLiga and the Premier League,” he said. “I try not to miss a World Cup, and now that I have the chance to attend games in person, it makes it even more special.”

That passion is one reason he’s thrilled about playing at the Bernabéu.

“Being in that stadium is iconic. So many legends have played there and so many legendary games have happened there,” Robinson said.

One of those legends is his favorite athlete, Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is my favorite athlete, not just because of soccer but because of the way he carries himself off the field and how he takes care of his family,” Robinson said. “Knowing he was a legend there and played in that stadium makes it even more special.”

Robinson also said De’Von Achane told him Madrid is one of the best places he has visited because of its culture.

“Playing there will be special”

Robinson said the energy of the stadium is something he’s especially looking forward to.

“Just being in that environment will be special for me,” he said. “I play FIFA, I watch games and you see how loud the stadium gets and how energetic the fans are. Experiencing that with my teammates will be incredible.”

He hopes fans in Madrid, and across Spain, come out to see the NFL in person.

“It’s one of the biggest stadiums in the world, and to play there is amazing,” Robinson said. “I hope fans from Madrid and everywhere come to watch the game and enjoy seeing American football in Spain.”

Falcons bringing energy to Madrid

Robinson also spoke about what kind of team fans will see from Atlanta.

“In Madrid, they’ll see a team full of competitive players.”

Bijan Robinson

“They’re going to see a team that’s building its identity but full of competitive players,” he said. “We’re going to bring energy to the stadium and play exciting football for four quarters. We want fans in Spain to enjoy it and want to follow us even more after seeing us play.”

He added that personal goals, including potentially competing for Offensive Player of the Year, will depend on team success.

Robinson also said he’s excited to work with new Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski.

“We’ve talked a lot since he got hired and he’s excited to get started,” Robinson said. “Hopefully we can have the best season possible.”

Xavier Watts also excited for Madrid

Watts, a 24-year-old safety coming off an impressive rookie season that included five interceptions, echoed Robinson’s enthusiasm.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to come to Madrid and play American football,” Watts said. “Last year we played in Germany and that was an amazing experience. It gave guys a chance to travel and show German fans what the NFL is about.”

He expects a lively crowd in Spain.

“Madrid and Spain have huge soccer fan bases, so I think when they get the chance to see an American football game they’ll be really excited,” Watts said. “I expect a great atmosphere.”

Watts also highlighted the appeal of Atlanta as a franchise.

“The Falcons are a unique organization because we’re in an incredible city like Atlanta,” he said. “I think fans in Madrid or anywhere might find a new team to support.”

Finally, Watts spoke about playing at the Bernabéu.

“It’s very exciting to have the chance to play in a stadium like the Bernabéu, home of a world-renowned club like Real Madrid,” Watts said. “Both the stadium and the club have incredible history. This will be the second time in my career I get to play in a historic European stadium, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.