The European League of Football (ELF) is gearing up for its 2025 season with rosters continuing to solidify across its expanding footprint. Now boasting 16 teams spanning nine European countries, the league is rapidly establishing itself as a significant force in the American football landscape.
Founded in November 2020 by Patrick Esume and Zeljko Karajica, the ELF emerged from a desire to professionalize American football in Europe, a vision Esume had championed since 2018, criticizing the existing structures within Germany’s American Football Association (AFVD). The league’s initial season kicked off in 2021, and it has grown steadily since, attracting teams and fans from across the continent.
Currently, Germany leads the way with seven teams, followed by Austria with two. Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Hungary, Poland, and Spain each contribute one team to the league. The ELF’s headquarters are located in Hamburg, Germany, and its games are broadcast on DAZN.
The 2024 season saw the Stuttgart Surge claim their first championship title, adding to the two titles already held by Rhein Fire, who remain the most successful team in ELF history. The league’s commitment to growth is evident in its ongoing expansion plans, aiming to further broaden its reach across Europe.
A detailed look at the confirmed rosters for the 2024 season reveals a diverse mix of European and American talent. The Barcelona Dragons, for example, have announced their quarterback contingent as Sergi Gonzalo and Grant Beucler. Their running back corps includes Quispe Silver Salazar, Hasday Arias Hernández, Charlemagne Take Hamza, Toni Montón, and Tony Williams Jr. The Dragons’ receiving group features Idriss Salem Ramky, Victor Vega Peinado, Julien Vast, David Martinez Rivero, Iu Alsina Virgili, Angel Marin Navarro, Aymeric Guillemaud, and Xavier Navarro Iguacel.
The offensive line for Barcelona is anchored by Juan Antonio Escobar, Raul Hernandez, Quim Jean Seseta, Dante Luis Oliva Puyo, Enzo Biasizzo Serra, Daniel Armstrong, Bertrand Thomas, Joel Ruiz Martínez, Maximiliano Ezequiel Pizarro Lujan, and Irvin Santana. Further roster details for the Barcelona Dragons, and all other teams, are available on elfpedia.eu, which is tracking all confirmed roster moves throughout the offseason and during the season.
The league’s structure allows for a dynamic player pool, with teams constantly adjusting their rosters to optimize performance. The ELF’s regulations, mirroring changes made in UEFA Euro 2024, permit squads of 23 to 26 players, including a minimum of three goalkeepers. This flexibility allows teams to adapt to injuries and illnesses, ensuring competitive balance throughout the season.
The ability to replace injured players is governed by strict protocols. A player can be replaced if a team doctor and a UEFA Medical Committee doctor confirm the injury or illness prevents participation. Goalkeepers have slightly more leeway, potentially being replaced even if other goalkeepers on the squad are fit to play. However, once a player is removed from the roster, they cannot be reinstated.
The European League of Football’s growth trajectory is noteworthy, particularly given its relatively recent inception. The league’s founders identified a gap in the market for professional American football in Europe and have successfully capitalized on that opportunity. The increasing number of teams and the growing fan base suggest a promising future for the ELF.
While the league continues to develop, it faces challenges common to any emerging sports organization, including establishing consistent financial stability and attracting top-tier talent. However, the ELF’s commitment to providing a platform for both European and American players, coupled with its strategic expansion plans, positions it for continued success.
The 2025 season promises to be another exciting chapter in the ELF’s story, with fans eagerly anticipating the competition and the continued evolution of American football in Europe. The league’s focus on building a sustainable and competitive environment will be crucial as it strives to become a leading force in the global sports landscape.
The confirmed rosters, available on elfpedia.eu, offer a glimpse into the talent that will be on display this season. As the league progresses, it will be interesting to observe how the teams utilize their rosters and adapt their strategies to compete for the championship title.
