Bizarrap and Daddy Yankee to headline NFL’s first-ever game in Spain
The National Football League is about to turn a football stadium into a global stage. On Sunday, November 16, 2025, the NFL’s first regular-season game in SpainSantiago Bernabéu Stadium will host the Washington Commanders against the Miami Dolphins — but the real fireworks are set to explode during halftime. That’s when Bizarrap (Gonzalo Julián Conde), the Argentine producer behind over 10 billion streams, and Daddy Yankee (Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez), the man who turned reggaeton into a worldwide phenomenon, will take the field together for the first time live. It’s not just a performance. It’s a cultural reset.
A Comeback Like No Other
Daddy Yankee retired from live performances in 2023 after a three-decade career that reshaped Latin music. Fans thought they’d never see him on stage again. Then came the NFL’s call. The Puerto Rican icon didn’t just agree — he leaned in. "I feel so joyful about music and the amazing track we’ve created together," he said in an official statement. That track? BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 0/66, a brand-new collaboration set to debut live in Madrid. For Bizarrap, whose viral music sessions have launched careers — from Shakira to Quevedo — this isn’t just another collab. It’s his biggest platform yet. "Getting the opportunity to headline the halftime show for the NFL’s first game in Spain is a huge honor," he said. "Especially alongside Daddy Yankee, such a legend. … I can’t wait."
Why Madrid? Why Now?
The NFL’s decision to bring its International Series to Spain isn’t random. Since 2007, the league has played 12 games outside North America — in London, Mexico City, and Munich. Each stop featured local artists: Mexican rock bands, British pop stars, German electronic acts. But this time, the league doubled down on cultural authenticity. With Latin music generating over $10 billion in global revenue last year — and reggaeton alone accounting for nearly a third of that — the NFL isn’t just chasing viewers. It’s aligning with a movement.
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, underwent a €1 billion renovation completed in 2023. Its 81,044 seats are now a hybrid of football tradition and modern spectacle — perfect for a show that blends American gridiron with Latin rhythm. The pregame will feature Spain’s national anthem performed by the Madrid Marine Infantry Group Band, followed by American vocalist Karina Pasian singing the U.S. anthem. It’s a quiet, respectful nod to both nations — before the bass drops.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t about selling tickets. It’s about building loyalty. The NFL knows that in Europe, football isn’t just a sport — it’s identity. And music? That’s the universal language. Tim Tubito, the NFL’s senior director of global game presentation and entertainment, put it plainly: "Across performances at our international games, we’ve elevated Latin artists around the world." He’s right. In 2024, the league’s games in Mexico City and Munich drew over 200,000 fans and generated an estimated $150 million in local economic impact. Spain is next. And with over 60 million Spanish speakers in the U.S. alone, this isn’t just international outreach — it’s domestic relevance.
For Bizarrap, this is a milestone. He’s won four Latin Grammys. He’s broken YouTube records. But performing in front of 80,000 people — many of whom might not know his name, but know his beats — is a different kind of victory. For Daddy Yankee, it’s redemption. He walked away from the stage, but music didn’t let go of him. Now, he’s stepping back into the light, not as a relic, but as a living legend.
What’s Next for the NFL’s Global Playbook
Spain is the fourth country to host an NFL regular-season game outside North America. The league has already signaled interest in Brazil, Japan, and even South Africa. But the Madrid game sets a new standard. It’s not enough to just play in a foreign city. You have to *feel* it. That means hiring local crews, sourcing regional food vendors, and — crucially — letting the music lead. The halftime show will last roughly 12 to 14 minutes, per NFL norms. But if the energy matches the hype, it could become the most talked-about moment of the entire 2025 season.
And then there’s the business side. The Washington Commanders, purchased in 2023 for $6.05 billion, and the Miami Dolphins, owned since 2009 by Stephen M. Ross, both stand to gain global brand exposure. This isn’t just a game. It’s a billboard on the world stage.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is this for Latin music’s global reach?
This is one of the largest global platforms ever given to Latin artists outside traditional music awards or festivals. With the NFL’s estimated 1.2 billion global viewers, Bizarrap and Daddy Yankee will reach audiences who may never tune into a Latin music chart. The collaboration’s debut on such a scale could push the track into the top 10 of global streaming charts overnight.
Why is the NFL choosing artists over traditional halftime acts like U2 or Beyoncé?
The NFL is shifting from star power to cultural relevance. While U.S.-based superstars draw domestic ratings, international games require local resonance. Bizarrap and Daddy Yankee aren’t just popular — they’re iconic across 20+ countries. Their appeal transcends language, making them perfect ambassadors for the NFL’s global growth strategy.
Is this the first time a retired artist has returned for an NFL halftime show?
Yes. While artists like Paul McCartney and Rihanna have headlined after long breaks, Daddy Yankee is the first major global star to return from an official retirement specifically for an NFL game. His decision signals how powerful the league’s international platform has become — enough to pull a legend back from the sidelines.
What’s the economic impact expected in Madrid?
Based on the $150 million generated in 2024 games, Madrid could see between $120 million and $180 million in direct spending — from hotel bookings and transportation to merchandise and dining. Local businesses are already preparing for a surge, with Spanish tourism officials projecting a 40% spike in U.S. visitors in the week leading up to the game.
