Bijan Robinson arrived in Madrid with a little style and a clear nod to the home crowd.
Before the Atlanta Falcons’ Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Nov. 8, the All-Pro running back was seen walking into Santiago Bernabeu Stadium wearing a retro Real Madrid jersey, according to the Falcons’ X account. The post showed Robinson repping one of the world’s most recognizable sports brands as the NFL brought its international slate to Spain.
Robinson, who leads the NFL in rushing yards through eight weeks, is trying to keep that momentum going in Madrid. The 24-year-old has rushed for nearly 800 yards this season and has scored four touchdowns on the ground.
Real Madrid’s star power fits the setting. The club is one of the biggest names in global sports and has featured icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and Kylian Mbappe on the famous field. Robinson’s pregame look seemed to tap into that same energy as he stepped into the stadium.
The NFL’s trip to Spain also fits commissioner Roger Goodell’s continued push to expand the league’s reach around the world. And if Robinson delivers on Sunday, he may have the kind of crowd-pleasing moment that matches the venue.
The Falcons even leaned into the moment on social media, posting: “Bijan reppin’ @realmadrid 🔥 https://t.co/MRdqwMdANV”
If Robinson gets into the end zone, don’t be surprised if the Madrid crowd sees something memorable. Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop already used Ronaldo’s famous “Siuuu!” celebration in Brazil earlier this year.
In Other News...
Falcons Face A Jessie Bates Deadline Decision Fans Will Watch Closely
With the trade deadline approaching, the Falcons appear set to take a cautious approach, with the front office more likely to look for draft capital than to move out important pieces. Atlantas 3-5 record has not pushed the team toward a fire sale, and Jessie Bates has emerged as one of the more notable names drawing outside interest as teams check on the market.
Bates is a pending free agent and a 2023 Pro Bowler, which naturally makes him a player rival clubs would ask about, but a deal still looks like a long shot. His salary is a hurdle, and Atlanta does not appear eager to absorb money just to make a trade easier, especially with Bates still operating as a full-time starter next to rookie Xavier Watts. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Need Bijan Robinson To Snap Out Of This Slump Fast
Bijan Robinson opened the 2026 season looking every bit like the engine of Atlantas offense, stacking multiple games with more than 100 scrimmage yards and giving the Falcons the kind of backfield production that can tilt a game plan. Over the last four weeks, though, the rhythm has changed. The touches are still there, but the same explosive finish has been harder to find, and Robinson has already acknowledged to reporters that his recent play has not matched his standard.
The timing matters because Atlanta heads into Week 9 against Cincinnati with a matchup that should be there for the taking on the ground. The Bengals have been vulnerable enough in run defense to give Robinson a path back toward the kind of impact the Falcons need from him, especially as they try to steady an offense that has leaned on him all season. For Atlanta, the question is less whether the opportunity will be there and more whether Robinson can turn it into the kind of statement outing that resets the conversation. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Defense Faces Real Pressure To Back Up Ulbrichs Confidence
Jeff Ulbrich has spent the week trying to steady the conversation around a Falcons defense that has been good enough to keep Atlanta in the middle of the pack, but not good enough to satisfy its own coordinator. Through eight games, the unit sits 18th in total defense and 17th in scoring defense, with the run defense drawing the most attention as the Falcons prepare for Cincinnati. Ulbrich has pointed to the groups commitment and preparation, even as he made clear there is still a long way to go before the defense looks the way it wants to.
The timing matters because Atlanta is heading into a matchup that can expose soft spots quickly, especially if the Bengals are able to stay on schedule and force the Falcons to answer in the trenches. Ulbrich has acknowledged the need for adjustments, and the next step is making sure those changes show up on Sundays rather than just in meetings and practice. For a defense that has yet to fully settle in, this is the kind of game that can either validate the confidence around the building or sharpen the pressure on it. [Read more 🡒]