The Santiago Bernabéu was gearing up to host a historic moment in Spanish sports. On November 16, Madrid will welcome its very first NFL regular season game, an event set to mark the beginning of a new chapter between Spanish fans and American football. The matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders sold out within minutes, ensuring a packed house at the renovated stadium.
But the excitement was dampened by shocking news: Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins’ superstar wide receiver and one of the biggest attractions of the event, has suffered a serious knee injury that will sideline him for the rest of the season.
A play that stunned everyone
The injury occurred during Miami’s victory over the New York Jets. Early in the third quarter, Hill caught a pass along the sideline, but as he was tackled, his leg was pinned awkwardly. The sight was gruesome: his knee dislocated instantly, and his visible pain silenced the crowd at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Despite the horrific scene, Hill left the field clapping and even smiling, a display of resilience in the face of adversity. Soon after, tests confirmed the worst: a torn ACL along with additional ligament damage. The 31-year-old underwent surgery that very night, and his long-term future in the league has now been cast into doubt.
A massive setback for Miami… and for Madrid
Losing Hill is a crushing blow for the Dolphins, who were already struggling with a 1-3 start to the season. Their quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, is in a make-or-break year, and now faces the challenge of leading the offense without his most dangerous weapon. Head coach Mike McDaniel, already under pressure, will have to adapt quickly, leaning on players like Jaylen Waddle and rising talent Malik Washington to fill the gap left by Hill.
For Spanish fans, the injury is also a huge disappointment. Hill was expected to be one of the brightest stars on the field in Madrid, giving the local audience a first-hand look at his unique speed and explosiveness. Still, the game remains a landmark occasion for Spain, with the NFL committed to expanding further in Europe — and even eyeing the Spotify Camp Nou for games starting in 2027.
What’s next?
Tyreek Hill, widely regarded as one of the fastest and most influential players of the past decade, now faces a long and uncertain road to recovery. His absence not only changes the Dolphins’ outlook but also means Spanish fans will miss the chance to see him live in action.
The NFL’s debut in Spain will remain a milestone, but it will take place without the player who was supposed to be one of its brightest stars.