Top 10 Biggest Football Rivalries of All Time

Football is not merely a sport but can evoke powerful emotions and ties that transcend the boundaries of the pitch. The so-called mythical football rivalries best describe this scenario, summarizing what competition, history, and nationhood are all about. From fiery local derbies to mythical continental clashes, these derbies capture the drama and unpredictability that make greatest football moments unforgettable. From the fierce football rivalries between English, Spanish, or Italian teams, every confrontation has a unique tale of victory, controversy, and unforgettable moments.

These rivalries are not merely about losing and winning; they capture narratives of divided cities, history, and crazed communities that give life to the great game. Here is a comprehensive analysis of football rivalry, its origins, development, mythical games, and impact on the world's most popular game.

The Birth of Football Rivalries

In their very essence, the biggest football rivalries are defined by a fierce competition that seeps into the hearts of players as well as fans. Also, these meetings often occur at historical and top stadiums every football fan must know, and are driven by the annals of history, collective identities, and the deep desire to conquer arch-rivals. Whatever the tension may be, the one between city clubs or the historic clashes driven by geopolitical or cultural tensions, the latter are an emotional microcosm that will unite as well as divide the fans in equal measure.

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10. Superclásico: Boca Juniors vs. River Plate

Argentina's Superclásico matches Buenos Aires giants Boca Juniors and River Plate against each other. As with Inter Milan and AC Milan, this derby also divides the city, with Boca representing the working-class La Boca barrio and River Plate being associated with the more affluent Núñez barrio, adding socioeconomic overtones to their intense confrontations. The Superclásico is one of the most historic and heated soccer rivalries on the planet, pitting Argentina's two most successful and popular clubs — River Plate and Boca Juniors — against each other.

The rivalry began in the early 20th century when both clubs were originally founded in the working-class neighborhood of La Boca in Buenos Aires. The two teams first played each other in an official Superclásico on August 24, 1913, with River Plate winning 2-1. Since then, matches between them have been hotly contested, often with drama, controversy, and notable moments.

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Throughout the decades, there have been numerous classic moments in the Superclásico such as the 1940's to 60's which saw the rivalry take flower with legendary names such as Alfredo Di Stéfano (River) and Antonio Rattín (Boca) defining the early classics, while the 90's to 2000's were highlighted by fierce clashes between stars such as Juan Román Riquelme, Ariel Ortega, Martín Palermo, and Marcelo Gallardo. Highlight moments of the rivalry in recent years include the 2018 Copa Libertadores Final, arguably the most historic Superclásico of all time.

The two-legged final ended with River Plate beating Boca Juniors 3-1 (after extra time) in Madrid — the first time that the final was played outside South America because of security concerns. After hundreds of games and dozens of dramatic chapters, the rivalry pitting Boca Juniors against River Plate is deeply rooted in Argentina's national consciousness. It's not just a soccer match — it's a social phenomenon, an historical clash, and a celebration of Argentine soccer culture in all its raw, passionate glory.

9. Porto vs. Benfica

In Portugal, the Porto-Benfica football rivalry, O Clássico, is one of the Portuguese football calendar highlights. The two clubs first met on the pitch in 1908, and from the start, this was more than a mere football match. The two clubs are the most successful Portuguese football clubs, and the rivalry is often about dominance of the Portuguese scene. Benfica have traditionally been the more successful side, with 37 Primeira Liga championships, making them Portugal's most successful club.

They have also enjoyed success in Europe with two European Cup (now Champions League) victories in 1961 and 1962. Porto, under the guidance of legendary coaches like José Mourinho, have enjoyed immense success, both at home and overseas. They've won 30 Primeira Liga titles and have had amazing European success, with two Champions League titles (1987 and 2004) and multiple UEFA Cup/Europa League victories.

The 1960s, which was Benfica's golden generation with its stars such as Eusébio, battling a dominant Porto side, set the stage for decades of rivalry. However, during the 1980s, Porto became a power in Portuguese football, and rivalry with Benfica grew even fiercer. Porto's dominance continued under José Mourinho, when they defeated Benfica 3-1 in one of the most crucial matches of the 2004 season, the start of their domination in Portugal and Europe.

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In 2019, when Porto triumphed 2-1 in the league in a spectacular game that clinched their 28th championship and sealed their recent dominance over Benfica in head-to-head encounters. Benfica's ultras, "No Name Boys", and Porto's "Super Dragões" create a wild atmosphere at both Estádio da Luz (Benfica's stadium) and Estádio do Dragão (Porto's stadium). Matches are typically accompanied by flares, banners, chants, and an electric atmosphere that spills onto the streets before and after the game. The Portuguese media also do their role in hyping the derby, adding to the high emotions of the encounter. With Porto's recent rise as a force in Europe and Benfica's continued challenge both at European and domestic levels, O Clássico remains one of football's most exciting matches.

8. Fenerbahçe vs. Galatasaray

Fenerbahçe v Galatasaray Intercontinental Derby in Istanbul, Turkey, is a clash of two continents since the clubs are located on the Asian and European sides of the city. This match is popularly known as the 'Intercontinental Derby'. The rivalry has its roots dating way back to the early 20th century when the two sides first clashed in 1909. The rivalry intensified over the years as the two sides constantly battled for league titles and cup glory. Some of the highlights of this great rivalry include the 1996 Turkish Cup Final when Galatasaray coach Graeme Souness famously planted a Galatasaray flag in the center of Fenerbahçe's pitch after they had won the cup — an act still remembered as one of the bravest and mocking in derby history.

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And the 2012 Title Decider for the Süper Lig title was resolved in a dramatic final match between the two. A 0-0 draw at Fenerbahçe's Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium handed the title to Galatasaray, unleashing hysterical celebrations and brawl. Goal-fests from high-scoring thrillers of the derby have etched themselves into memories, including Fenerbahçe's 6-0 triumph in 2002 and Galatasaray's thrilling 5-1 win in 2014.

The Intercontinental Derby is renowned for its electric, tense ambiance. The stadia — Fenerbahçe's Şükrü Saracoğlu and Galatasaray's RAMS Park (formerly Türk Telekom Arena) — become cauldrons of noise, flares, banners, and raw passion. Both clubs have achieved international recognition, with Galatasaray winning the UEFA Cup and Super Cup in 2000, and Fenerbahçe reaching the Europa League semifinals in 2013. With over a century of bad blood, unforgettable moments, and shared dominance in Turkish football, the Intercontinental Derby remains one of the most passionate and volatile rivalries in the world.

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7. The Old Firm: Celtic vs. Rangers

Glasgow, Scotland's Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers is about more than football. Rooted in religious and political distinctions, this is one of the longest-standing and most intense rivalries, with matches frequently having cultural implications. The two first met in 1888, the year Celtic was established. The rivalry assumed a special social and cultural aspect from the start. They have captured the overwhelming majority of Scottish League championships, Scottish Cups, and League Cups, with the championships often going back and forth between them.

Rangers were the first British team to reach a European final (1961) and won the Cup Winners' Cup in 1972. Celtic, however, were the first British team to win the European Cup in 1967 under the leadership of Jock Stein, with the legendary "Lisbon Lions." The rivalry reached dramatic proportions in the late 1990s and early 2000s when both teams spent heavily and went toe-to-toe with one another for domestic and European honors.

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In recent years, under the guidance of individuals like Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard, the clubs have seen new era success tales, reigniting the struggle for supremacy. Their competition has been so fierce that it has yielded some fiery moments, from dramatic goals to intense celebrations, and is now one of the most passionate internationals in football. The Old Firm now is still a giant occasion in the football calendar, with global audiences and intense media attention.

The rivalry is as fierce as it has ever been, the fans are just as passionate, and the football clubs are still battling for top honors in Scotland and further afield. It's a battle of ideologies, tradition, and pride, battled out on the pitch with the weight of over 130 years on its shoulders. This rivalry is considered as the top football derby in the United Kingdom according to SkySport.

6. Ajax vs. Feyenoord

The Netherlands' De Klassieker is where Ajax and Feyenoord battle for Dutch football supremacy. Ajax-Feyenoord is also known as "De Klassieker" (The Classic) and is the biggest and most fiercest rivalry in Dutch football. The two clubs first had a formal meeting in 1921, but the rivalry began to heat up in the 1960s when both clubs became big domestically and on the continent. Amsterdam Ajax and Rotterdam Feyenoord are the two. With its world-renowned youth academy and "Total Football" philosophy, Ajax have won numerous Eredivisie titles, KNVB Cups, and four European Cups/Champions Leagues.

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Feyenoord, on the other hand, was the first Dutch club to win a European Cup (1970), and a proud winner of several domestic honors and European trophies, including the UEFA Cup (1974 and 2002). During the 2016/17 season, Feyenoord won their first Eredivisie in 18 years, bringing an end to Ajax's recent dominance and achieving parity in the competition. The derby is occasionally plagued by hooliganism and violence, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s, which led to stringent security and even away fan bans for certain matches. It remains one of Europe's great football derbies, deeply rooted in Dutch football culture, and watched by fans across the globe.

5. Borussia Dortmund vs. Schalke 04

Germany's Revierderby opposes Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04, both of the Ruhr region. The football derby is dense with regional identity and industrial past. The Borussia Dortmund-Schalke 04 rivalry is one of the most intense and historic in German soccer, being referred to as the Revierderby. The first official match between the two clubs was on May 3, 1925, and Schalke dominated early meetings. In fact, in the 1930s and 1940s, Schalke were one of the greatest clubs in Germany, and Dortmund were still discovering themselves.

The scales tipped by the 1960s and in particular during the 1990s and 2000s, with Borussia Dortmund taking on the dominance role. The UEFA Champions League title of 1997 and all the Bundesliga championships were a golden era, whereas Schalke, despite having some good years, never seemed to catch up, most tragically the "Meister der Herzen" of 2001 when they lost the title at the last minute of the season. Dortmund win the UEFA Champions League in 1997 — a badge of honour for BVB fans and a thorn on Schalke's flesh.

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Again in 2007, Dortmund beat Schalke 2-0 at the season's end, robbing them of a Bundesliga championship — a match now called the "Mother of All Derbies." But in 2017, fans witnessed the classic 4-4 comeback — Schalke was down 4-0 at Dortmund before rallying to a draw in one of the best football derbies in Bundesliga history. The 2020s saw Schalke's relegation and return to the top flight, and the derby was therefore temporarily lost to the Bundesliga, back in flames and glory in 2022. Both teams have some of the most passionate and committed supporters anywhere in Europe, renowned for their charged environments — especially in Dortmund's Yellow Wall and Schalke's Veltins-Arena.

4. North London Derby: Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur

The North London Derby match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal is a season highlight of England football in the capital city. Competitive history and geographical proximity of the teams represent this football derby, which ignites passion in the hearts of the players and spectators. The North London Derby football fixtures between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal is one of the most intense and historic rivalries in English football. These two clubs, who are only four miles apart, have fought for local dominance for more than a century, producing a bitter and emotionally charged fixture that means the world to their supporters.

The rivalry properly started in 1913, when Arsenal left Woolwich in South London for Highbury, encroaching on Tottenham's North London territory. There was tension in 1919, when Arsenal were promoted to the First Division in dubious conditions, having placed only sixth in the Second Division — pushing Tottenham over them after they were demoted. Spurs fans never did let this one go, and it is at the heart of the venom of the origin of the rivalry.

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The game has been a traditional part of the English Premier league football calendar since the 1920s, gaining significance as both teams established huge, passionate fan bases. Arsenal have historically dominated honors and records between the two teams, but Tottenham have always been eager to close the gap and assert their own identity as North London's premier team. In 2004, Arsenal had won the league at White Hart Lane in a 2-2 draw — a memory always etched on the minds of Gunners fans and hated intensely by Tottenham supporters. But in the 2008 League Cup Semi-Final, Tottenham hammered Arsenal 5-1 in the second leg to advance to their first final in years.

2 years ago, Spurs came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at the Emirates, their first away league win at Arsenal in 17 years in 2010. In recent years, there has been huge rivalry like Tottenham's 3-0 win late in the 2022 season that dashed Arsenal's top-four hopes, allowing Spurs to claim a Champions League spot instead. From Arsenal's Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Patrick Vieira, to Spurs' Harry Kane, Gareth Bale, and Ledley King, the derby has seen some of the Premier League's best players. Harry Kane, in particular, is North London Derby history's most prolific goal-scorer.

3. Manchester United vs. Liverpool

Nicknamed the North West Derby, Manchester United vs. Liverpool is England's most intense rivalries. Spawned from industrial competition between the two cities, this football rivalry has evolved into a battle for football supremacy, with both clubs boasting rich histories and passionate followings. Manchester United vs. Liverpool is quite possibly English football's largest and most historic rivalry. It's a match that goes beyond the football field, fueled by over a hundred years of sporting competition, economic rivalry, and cultural divergence between two of England's most renowned cities.

The roots of the rivalry go back to the late 19th century when there were industrial and economic rivalries between Liverpool and Manchester. These off-the-field rivalries were translated into football pitch when both teams of the two cities became dominating forces of English football. Both sides have dominated English football at different times. Liverpool came to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s under managers like Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, and Kenny Dalglish, with a sequence of league titles and European Cups.

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Manchester United football’s golden era under Sir Alex Ferguson began from the 1990s to the early 2010s, breaking Liverpool's record for league titles and becoming the most successful club in English top-flight history. The rivalry has been witness to historical moments like the FA Cup Final 1977, when Manchester United beat Liverpool 2-1, shattering their opponents' hopes for a record treble. The 1999 FA Cup 4th Round, when United's thrilling last-minute comeback, which included a winning goal in injury time by Ole Gunnar Solskjær, summarized the club's treble-winning mentality. Another memorable moment was in 2009 when Liverpool thrashed United 4-1 at Old Trafford, a comprehensive and unusual away victory.

And finally, the 2021/2022 season encounter where Liverpool annihilated United 5-0 at Old Trafford in one of the most one-sided derby performances in recent history. As of 2024, Manchester United have claimed more league titles (20) and Liverpool have the superior European record (6 UEFA Champions League titles to United's 3). The ongoing battle to be England's most successful club always continues to add fuel to the flames.

2. The Derby della Madonnina: AC Milan vs. Inter Milan

Italian football is home to some of the fiercest rivalries, and 'Derby della Madonnina' is one such rivalry. AC Milan and Inter Milan share the San Siro football stadium, thus it is a keen contest whenever they meet on the field. The history of the Derby della Madonnina dates back to the division between the clubs in 1908, when Inter Milan was established as a breakaway club. Over the years, Inter and Milan have alternated dominance in both Italian and European football. Together, they have accumulated an incredible amount of Serie A titles, Coppa Italia trophies, and European Cups/Champions Leagues.

AC Milan became a prominent team in the post-war years and especially in the late 1980s and 1990s under the ownership of Silvio Berlusconi, with legendary players such as Marco van Basten, Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Kaká, and Andriy Shevchenko. Inter Milan also had historic highs, mainly in the 1960s with "La Grande Inter," managed by Helenio Herrera, and in the 2000s under José Mourinho, where they won a historic treble, the treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League, in 2010.

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As seen earlier, the other uniqueness in this Derby della Madonnina is that the two clubs share a football field; these two share San Siro (also called Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, which has been named after a legendary player who appeared for both clubs). It brings the rivalry even closer because each of the two clubs can also view the stadium as its own, thus creating another dimension for the battle to acquire honor and dominance of the city. Both clubs had a decline period during the 2010s, but they still held on to their positions in European football. However, rivalry never became easy-going.

In recent years, both Inter and Milan have experienced a resurgence. Inter under Antonio Conte and then Simone Inzaghi again came to win Serie A in 2021 which broke Juventus' nine years' reign. With Stefano Pioli as the coach, AC Milan made its first Scudetto in more than ten years in 2022, thus returning to the top. The derby remains on the international stage with young stars, packed stadiums, and renewed battles for all silverware both in Italy and Europe. The meeting in the Champions League semi-final 2023 stands as a testimony to how relevant the teams were on the biggest stage.

1. El Clásico: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

One of the most renowned football rivalries in the world, El Clásico pits Spain's two most successful clubs against each other. The rivalry is beyond the football match, pitting political and cultural tensions between Castilian Madrid and Catalan Barcelona, making each match a highly charged affair. The rivalry began in the early 1900s, with the first official match played in 1902. Both clubs quickly rose to prominence in Spanish football, establishing themselves as the two most powerful and popular teams in the country. In the 2000s and 2010s, El Clásico reached new heights with global viewership skyrocketing as stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane, Xavi, and Sergio Ramos faced off.

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The rivalry also witnessed a very intense period from 2009 to 2018, when Barcelona, under the leadership of the likes of Pep Guardiola, played revolutionary football and challenged Real Madrid's hegemony on both domestic and European fronts. At the same time, Real Madrid, under the tutelage of the likes of José Mourinho and later Zinedine Zidane, regained European dominance with back-to-back Champions League titles.

Each football match between these Spanish behemoths is exciting, filled with world-class talent, controversy, and drama. Be it Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, or all-time greats like Alfredo Di Stéfano, El Clásico has always served up some of the finest football ever. El Clásico today continues to capture the imagination of the world's football fans. Although the Messi vs. Ronaldo era is gone, the rivalry remains as fierce as ever, fueled by passionate supporters, high stakes, and a tradition based on more than 120 years of competition. It is more than soccer—a clash of identities, values, and visions of Spain.

The Impact of Football Rivalries

Football rivalries have a strong impact on the participating clubs and regions. They give the supporters a sense of identity and belonging, with a propensity to influence local culture and tradition. Also, fans get to win by making accurate predictions as most derbies are often filled with goals, and stats, making it highly attractive for various betting markets. However, it is worth noting that some have also had negative fallout in terms of hooliganism and violence. Club, authorities, and supporter groups' efforts persist in encouraging sportsmanship and respect, guaranteeing that enthusiasm for the sport enhances and never detracts from the footballing experience.

Football derbies are the lifeblood of the sport, adding passion, history, and a sense of belonging to the matches. They tell tales of cities, cultures, and communities, making football something greater than a game. As supporters, accepting the essence of these derbies in respect and sporting behavior helps us to relish the rich fabric of the beautiful game and the affinity it creates all over the world.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION ABOUT FOOTBALL RIVALRIES

· What is the biggest rivalry in football history?

The biggest rivalry in football history is widely considered to be El Clásico, the match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. This rivalry is not only a sporting clash but also represents a deep-seated historical and cultural divide between Madrid and Catalonia.

· What is a rivalry in football?

In football, a rivalry is a fierce and long-standing competition between two teams or clubs, often rooted in history, geography, or cultural differences, that creates intense passion and emotion among fans and players alike.

· What is the best rivalry in history?

The most iconic and widely considered the best football rivalry in history is El Clásico, the match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona (Spain), fueled by political and cultural differences between Catalonia and the rest of Spain.

· What is the longest football rivalry in history?

The longest-running football rivalry in history is between the England and Scotland national teams, with their first international fixture taking place in 1872.

· What is the best football derby in the world?

El Clásico (Real Madrid vs Barcelona) – Spain. El Clásico is the crown jewel of Spanish football, pitting two of the most successful and glamorous clubs against each other. The rivalry began in earnest in the 1920s and is emblematic of a broader cultural and political clash between Catalonia and the rest of Spain.

· What is the greatest rivalry in soccer?

Known as "The Classic" (El Clásico in Spanish), it's the spectacular rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid. With usually high stakes and deep political undertones, the clash between the two Spanish clubs has grown into a global phenomenon since its inception in 1902.

· What is the oldest football rivalry?

The oldest football rivalry is between the England and Scotland national football teams, with their first match played in 1872, and is known as the "Auld Enemy" rivalry.

· Who is Chelsea's biggest rival?

West Ham United. These London Clubs are literally known as Chelsea's biggest rivals because they are all from the same city. Some of these clubs, however, aren't very popular anymore because they have not been doing well in recent years.

· Who is Man United’s biggest rival?

Liverpool F.C.–Manchester United F.C. rivalry. The Liverpool F.C.–Manchester United F.C. rivalry, sometimes referred to as the Northwest derby, is a high-profile inter-city rivalry between English professional football clubs Liverpool and Manchester United.

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