A few weeks ago, there was information that in 2025 Estadio Santiago Bernabéu will host an NFL game. As it turns out, this is likely not the only non-football event that will take place at Real Madrid's venue in the coming years.

Time for handball?

We are currently in talks with Spain regarding the last weekend of 2028 in Madrid. The name Bernabéu has a certain resonance. The year 2028 is still distant, but we are working on it intensively, said Michael Wiederer, president of the European Handball Federation (EHF), in an interview with Sport Bild. He is, of course, referring to organizing the final of the European Championship, which will take place in Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland in four years. The tournament is scheduled for January 13-30, 2028, with the final set for a Sunday, meaning that in that round, Real Madrid would have to play their match away.

The federation president doesn't hide the fact that organizing such a prestigious match at Santiago Bernabéu could help him in his reelection bid, as elections for the EHF president are scheduled for 2025. The promise of a final at a venue capable of accommodating over 80,000 people, along with the huge ticket revenue and media coverage, could ensure that Michael Wiederer stays in his position for longer.

EHF likes football stadiums

This wouldn't be the first handball match of this magnitude played at a football stadium. On January 10 of this year, the opening match of the European Championships held in Germany took place at Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf. At that time, 53,586 spectators sat in the stands of Fortuna 1895 e.V.'s home venue. To make this possible, additional stands with a capacity of over 9,000 seats were built. Around 250 speakers, 50 amplifiers, 500 moving lights, and 30 laser systems provided a unique experience during the game.

Will Real Madrid say "yes"?

Florentino Pérez dreamed of creating a multifunctional arena that would be home to various sports disciplines. Therefore, it seems that the president of Real Madrid will do everything to ensure that the European Handball Championship final takes place at his stadium. In addition to the aforementioned NFL game, in the coming years, the heart of Madrid's venue may also host the NBA. And that is certainly not the end.

© Alecaom