NFL Makes History with First Game in Spain, Ref Calls in Spanish

Madrid, Spain — The Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders faced off on Sunday in Madrid for the NFL‘s first-ever game in Spain at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid.

Referee Shawn Smith added to the excitement by delivering a penalty call in Spanish during the first quarter, much to the delight of the international crowd. He called a false start on Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. Smith announced the penalty in Spanish before switching back to English to explain it was a five-yard penalty, bringing cheers from the stands.

This moment is part of a tradition that began in 2005, when Ed Hochuli made the league’s first bilingual penalty call in Mexico. Shawn Smith’s father, Ed Hochuli, set the precedent nearly two decades ago, and the league has since embraced the practice during international games, including a German call by Smith last year.

The NFL has made strides in expanding its international presence, with previous games played in the U.K., Germany, Ireland, and Brazil this season. The Commanders and Dolphins game wrapped up the league’s international series for the year following last week’s matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts in Berlin.

At halftime, the teams were tied 6-6, with fans still eagerly awaiting the first touchdown of the game. Shaw Smith’s call not only highlighted the unique multicultural aspect of the event but also showcased the NFL’s commitment to engaging with its growing international audience.

The successful conclusion of the NFL’s international series reinforces the likelihood of continued expansion into more nations. Smith’s bilingual call is an example of how the league might further integrate various languages in future games to connect with diverse fan bases.