CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) – The Chicago Bears have named Cristian Saban Carretero of Spain as their 2025 NFL International Fan of the Year nominee, recognizing his dedication to the team and his role in expanding the Bears’ fan base overseas.
Carretero, 38, is the first nominee selected from Spain by any NFL club. The league’s International Fan of the Year program honors one supporter from each team who demonstrates exceptional passion and helps grow the game in their local community. One overall winner will be announced during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
A native of La Línea de la Concepción in the province of Cádiz, Carretero said his connection to the Bears began more than a decade ago after watching online highlights of Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter Payton. A video of Payton leaping over defenders, and later throwing a touchdown pass to Willie Gault, sparked his loyalty. He also said he felt a personal tie to the franchise because of its iconic “C” logo, which matches the first letter of his name.
Since the Bears were granted marketing rights in Spain through the NFL’s Global Markets Program in 2022, Carretero has attended team-sponsored watch parties and events in Barcelona and Madrid. He also traveled to London in 2024 to see the Bears defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Carretero co-founded “La Osera,” a Spanish-language podcast dedicated exclusively to Bears coverage. Through weekly analysis, discussions and fan engagement, the podcast has connected Spanish-speaking supporters and helped build a more organized fan community in the country. In 2024, he and fellow fans purchased 12 tickets to the Bears’ London game and distributed them to Spanish supporters so they could attend.
As the Bears’ nominee, Carretero will represent the team at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh alongside the other 31 club nominees.
Fans can vote online for the Ultimate NFL International Fan of the Year.