From Griezmann to Simeone: Atlético joins the NFL fever in Madrid

For now, it’s one of those relationships where one half of the partnership is doing most of the heavy lifting – but this week looks set to mark a turning point in the bond between American football and soccer.

There were clear signs of that connection on Thursday at the Metropolitano Stadium, which has been chosen as the training base for the Miami Dolphins. On Sunday, they’ll face the Washington Commanders at 9:30 a.m. (3:30 p.m. local time) at the Bernabéu in the first NFL game ever played in Spain.

The Atlético Madrid squad already counts a few NFL enthusiasts. Antoine Griezmann, a self-confessed American sports addict, even has his own Topps trading card collection (basically the US equivalent of Panini stickers). Team captain Koke serves as an ambassador for the New England Patriots, and on Thursday none other than Diego Pablo Simeone himself joined the fun.

It’s clear that soccer is fascinated by football – though the feeling doesn’t quite seem mutual. “It’s an amazing stadium, they’ve treated us really well. I don’t know much about soccer, but it’s a traditional place. It’s great, very welcoming,” said wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, one of the biggest names in Madrid this week, when asked about the Metropolitano. Running back De’Von Achane echoed that sentiment: “I don’t know much about soccer’s tradition, I’m not a huge fan, but I know the team and some of the players.” And linebacker Jordyn Brooks got a laugh out of reporters when he admitted: “I know Real Madrid from playing FIFA.” This week may just change that perspective.

Atleti’s hospitality for the Dolphins also comes in the same week the club announced an agreement with Apollo Sports Capital, a Wall Street–listed investment fund with stakes in La Liga as a whole, England’s Nottingham Forest, and the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament. The fund will become Atlético’s majority shareholder, following talks last year with Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross over a similar deal.

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