The NFL is back in Germany, more precisely in Munich. An official American Football League (NFL) game will take place in the Allianz Arena for the second time on Sunday. German fans can get used to these highlight games, says NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in an exclusive “Blickpunkt Sport” interview. The powerful man in American football is enthusiastic about the German fan base and makes it clear that the league sees Germany as an important international market.
NFL premiere in Munich: “It was really something special”
Since the first game took place in Munich two years ago, the enthusiasm on both sides has grown noticeably. “It was really special,” Goodell recalls of the event, which was unforgettable even for a football icon like Tom Brady. Brady, who has attended many Super Bowls, described the Munich stadium experience as one of the best moments of his career. This euphoria from the fans, which not only impressed the players but also the NFL officials, encouraged the league to invest further in Germany. The success continued with further games in Munich and Frankfurt – and it is clear: that was just the beginning.
Berlin is now being discussed as a possible next venue. “We are in communication with city representatives,” confirms Goodell. Germany is a particularly attractive location for the NFL, not only because of the growing fan base, but also because of the excellent infrastructure and the media partners who bring the NFL games to German television.
Goodell emphasizes that the league considers many factors when choosing venues: a strong fan base, high-quality stadiums and training facilities that provide optimal conditions for the teams. Other German cities are also showing interest, and Goodell promises to make a decision soon – possibly around the Super Bowl. Berlin is therefore a promising candidate.
Goodell promises youth support in Germany
In parallel to the expansion of NFL games, the league is also investing in youth development in order to establish the sport in the long term. The league is particularly concerned about supporting flag football projects in Germany. “We want to open the sport to everyone, including young girls,” explains Goodell.
This form of low-contact football offers an easy way to learn the basics of the sport while generating excitement among young people. Flag football’s Olympic debut in 2028 is seen as a catalyst for global growth – and many of the young talents playing flag football today could be representing Germany on the international stage in four years.
More internationalization: Goodell’s “dream”
Goodell emphasizes that the league has a long-term vision: growing the global fan base and developing a deep connection to the sport in the countries where the NFL has a presence. In Germany, the NFL fan base has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. The league currently has up to 20 million potential fans in this country, and this number is expected to continue to rise. “Our dream is to have 16 international games in the next few years,” reveals Goodell.
The vision is clear: The NFL wants to make American football a global experience and continue to offer German fans the opportunity to experience the excitement and fascination of the sport up close – be it in a large stadium or at the local flag football stadium. Place.
