As excitement builds in Munich with the New York Giants taking on the Carolina Panthers this weekend, all eyes are turning towards Germany's capital. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently ignited speculation about a potential NFL game in Berlin, following his remarks from last November highlighting the city's "a lot of interest" in hosting an event.

During a fan event in Munich, Goodell, typically cautious about rumors, stated, "I usually say don’t believe rumors. In this case, I say believe them." This bold affirmation has fans buzzing with hope for a Berlin game in the upcoming 2025 season, although Goodell clarified that no official agreements have been finalized.

Germany's enthusiasm for American football is undeniable. The inaugural German NFL game, which took place in November 2022 between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks at Munich's Allianz Arena, was a resounding success. It reportedly generated a staggering 70.2 million euros for the city. This year, another thrilling encounter will attract nearly 70,000 fans to the stadium, completely sold out.

Goodell also shared that the NFL's ambition is to broaden its international schedule even further, aiming to surpass the eight games currently slated each year overseas, starting in 2025. The league is on track to incorporate an 18-game schedule, with aspirations for as many as 16 international games per season, a plan he believes could be realized in "three to five years."

In discussions around global expansion, Goodell mentioned prospective games in countries such as England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, and possibly Ireland. The league has already announced a game set for February 2024 at Real Madrid’s legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, underscoring the NFL's commitment to international growth. “A lot of teams want to go to Spain. The Dolphins are one that want to go there,” Goodell mentioned, showcasing the excitement surrounding potential matchups.

This season alone, five international games are part of the NFL's International Series, with the Giants-Panthers contest serving as the grand finale. The league’s commitment to international games has spanned nearly two decades, dating back to 2005, when the Arizona Cardinals triumphed over the San Francisco 49ers at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

As the NFL looks forward to expanding its global footprint, fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the possibility of additional games in new and exciting venues—especially one in Berlin that could bring a new level of excitement to American football in Europe. Stay tuned—this could just be the beginning of an exhilarating chapter for the NFL abroad!