Football is full of rivalries that define the sport, creating moments of intense competition and passion. These biggest football rivalries, many of them being some of the finest football derbies, highlight not only the quality of the game but also the cultural, historical, and social divides that make them unforgettable. Below are 20 of the fiercest rivalries in football history, structured with their names and key details.
1. Real Madrid vs Barcelona (Spain)
El Clásico
El Clásico is one of the most famous and intense football rivalries, pitting Spain’s two biggest clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona, against each other. Beyond the sport, this clash represents the historical, political, and cultural tension between centralist Spain and Catalonia’s quest for independence.
The rivalry dates back to the early 20th century but became more intense during General Franco’s dictatorship, when Barcelona symbolized Catalan resistance. Matches have showcased legendary talents, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff, and Alfredo Di Stéfano. With millions of fans tuning in worldwide, El Clásico remains a battleground for supremacy in both Spain and world football.
2. Celtic vs Rangers (Scotland)
The Old Firm
The Old Firm Derby between Glasgow’s Celtic and Rangers is one of the most historic and volatile rivalries in football. Beyond the pitch, it reflects Scotland’s religious and political divisions. Celtic is associated with Irish Catholicism, while Rangers have ties to Protestant unionism.
This derby defines Scottish football, with both clubs often competing for the league title. Played at either Celtic Park or Ibrox Stadium, the matches feature intense atmospheres, passionate fan displays, and dramatic on-field moments. The Old Firm is more than just a game; it’s a clash that resonates with fans around the world.
3. Inter Milan vs AC Milan (Italy)
Derby della Madonnina
The Derby della Madonnina, or the Milan Derby, is a showcase of Italian football passion. Inter Milan and AC Milan share the iconic San Siro stadium, but their rivalry divides the city. The derby originated in 1909, when a faction split from AC Milan to form Inter, creating a lasting divide.
Inter is known for its cosmopolitan identity, while AC Milan has working-class roots. This derby is synonymous with legendary players like Paolo Maldini, Javier Zanetti, and Marco van Basten. Whether battling for Serie A dominance or pride, the Milan Derby is a dramatic and emotional affair.
4. Liverpool vs Manchester United (England)
England’s Classic Rivalry
The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is the most iconic in English football, steeped in historical and regional competition. Liverpool’s dominance in the 1970s and 1980s was later matched by Manchester United’s success under Sir Alex Ferguson in the 1990s and 2000s.
This clash transcends trophies, as both clubs fight for the title of England’s most successful team. Matches are fiercely contested, with legendary players like Steven Gerrard, Ryan Giggs, and Eric Cantona leaving their mark. Fans from both sides eagerly await this fixture, which remains the highlight of the English football calendar.
5. Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur (England)
North London Derby
The North London Derby is a battle for local supremacy between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. The rivalry began in 1913 when Arsenal moved to North London, sparking animosity that has endured for over a century.
The derby is known for its high-stakes drama, featuring memorable goals, controversial decisions, and passionate fanbases. Legends like Thierry Henry, Harry Kane, and Dennis Bergkamp have shone in these encounters. For fans, winning the North London Derby is about more than points—it’s about pride and bragging rights.
6. Boca Juniors vs River Plate (Argentina)
Superclásico
The Superclásico between Boca Juniors and River Plate is arguably the most passionate football rivalry in the world. Boca represents Buenos Aires’ working-class communities, while River Plate is historically associated with wealthier areas.
The match is a spectacle both on and off the pitch. Fans light up stadiums with flares, banners, and deafening chants, creating an atmosphere like no other. On the field, it’s a fiercely contested battle, with legendary players like Diego Maradona, Juan Román Riquelme, and Ariel Ortega shaping its history. The Superclásico is football at its most intense and emotional.
7. Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich (Germany)
Der Klassiker
Der Klassiker is the premier football rivalry in Germany, featuring Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. Bayern’s dominance as the Bundesliga’s most successful club clashes with Dortmund’s reputation for high-energy, attacking football.
The rivalry peaked in the early 2010s, with Jürgen Klopp’s Dortmund challenging Bayern’s supremacy and even meeting in the 2013 Champions League final. Matches are often high-stakes affairs, filled with thrilling goals and tactical battles. The passion of Dortmund’s “Yellow Wall” and Bayern’s global fanbase adds to the spectacle.
8. Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid (Spain)
El Derbi Madrileño
The Madrid Derby pits Real Madrid’s aristocratic image against Atlético Madrid’s working-class roots. While Real has historically dominated the rivalry, Atlético’s resurgence under Diego Simeone has made this a fiercely competitive fixture.
Recent clashes in La Liga and Champions League finals have heightened the tension, with Atlético pushing Real to their limits. The matches are battles for city pride, featuring iconic moments and high-stakes drama.
9. Inter Milan vs Juventus (Italy)
Derby d’Italia
The Derby d’Italia is one of Italy’s most storied rivalries, featuring Inter Milan and Juventus. This clash embodies the tension between two of Serie A’s most successful and passionate clubs.
With Juventus often dominating Serie A, Inter’s victories are celebrated as defiance against the league’s powerhouse. Controversies, title-deciding matches, and legendary players make this one of the most compelling fixtures in Italian football.
10. Fenerbahçe vs Galatasaray (Turkey)
Intercontinental Derby
The Intercontinental Derby between Istanbul giants Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray is one of football’s most heated rivalries. Representing Istanbul’s Asian and European sides, this match is about more than football—it’s a clash of cultures.
Fans create an unparalleled atmosphere with chants, flares, and choreographed displays, making the derby a spectacle. On the pitch, these matches are fiercely contested, often determining the outcome of Turkey’s Süper Lig. The Intercontinental Derby is a must-watch for fans of intense football rivalries.
11. Manchester United vs Manchester City (England)
Manchester Derby
The Manchester Derby showcases the battle for supremacy in one of England’s most football-obsessed cities. Historically, Manchester United dominated the rivalry, thanks to their success under Sir Alex Ferguson. However, Manchester City’s resurgence, fuelled by substantial financial investment, has made this one of the Premier League’s marquee fixtures.
The derby’s intensity grew during the 2011-12 season when City famously clinched the league title with Sergio Agüero’s last-minute goal, surpassing United on goal difference. Today, the rivalry is as much about global stature as local bragging rights, with both clubs featuring world-class players and competing for top honours.
12. Lazio vs Roma (Italy)
Derby della Capitale
The Derby della Capitale, or the Rome Derby, is Italy’s most passionate and volatile football rivalry. Lazio and Roma share the Stadio Olimpico, dividing the Eternal City into two fiercely loyal camps. This derby often reflects social and cultural differences, with each team’s ultras vying to outdo the other with stunning choreographed displays.
On the pitch, the matches are full of drama, with fiery tackles and moments of brilliance. Fans consider this clash the pinnacle of the season, with pride and local bragging rights at stake. The Rome Derby is an unmissable highlight of Italian football.
13. Ajax vs Feyenoord (Netherlands)
De Klassieker
The De Klassieker between Ajax and Feyenoord is the Netherlands’ biggest football rivalry. Representing Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the country’s largest cities, the derby reflects cultural and economic differences. Ajax’s history of European success contrasts with Feyenoord’s gritty, hard-working image.
Matches between these two teams are fiercely contested, with fans creating a charged atmosphere. On the pitch, the rivalry has featured some of Dutch football’s greatest talents, from Johan Cruyff to Robin van Persie. This clash often decides the Eredivisie’s fate and is a cornerstone of Dutch football tradition.
14. Paris Saint-Germain vs Marseille (France)
Le Classique
Le Classique pits Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) against Olympique de Marseille in a battle for French football supremacy. Beyond football, the rivalry reflects the cultural divide between the cosmopolitan capital, Paris, and the Mediterranean heart of Marseille.
As PSG’s financial power has grown, the rivalry has intensified, with Marseille fighting to restore their status as Ligue 1’s dominant club. Matches are heated both on and off the pitch, with passionate fans ensuring an electric atmosphere. Le Classique is France’s most-watched and highly anticipated football fixture.
15. Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad (Spain)
Basque Derby
The Basque Derby between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad represents the pride of the Basque region. Both clubs share a commitment to local identity, with Athletic famously fielding only players of Basque heritage. Despite this shared culture, their rivalry is intensely competitive.
The matches are a celebration of Basque football, often played with a high level of skill and passion. While it lacks the bitterness of some rivalries, the Basque Derby is a fiercely contested and deeply meaningful fixture for both sets of fans.
16. Partizan vs Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)
Eternal Derby
The Eternal Derby of Belgrade is one of Europe’s most explosive football rivalries. Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade have dominated Serbian football for decades, and their matches are charged with passion and animosity.
Fans of both clubs, known for their intense loyalty, create unforgettable atmospheres with flares, chants, and banners. The derby often descends into chaos, reflecting the fierce local rivalry. Despite the heated emotions, the Eternal Derby is a showcase of Serbian football’s rich tradition and pride.
17. Everton vs Liverpool (England)
Merseyside Derby
The Merseyside Derby is England’s longest-running top-flight football rivalry, featuring Liverpool and Everton. Known as the “friendly derby” due to families supporting opposing teams, the rivalry has grown more competitive over the years.
Matches are often high-octane affairs, with Liverpool’s attacking prowess clashing against Everton’s determination to claim local bragging rights. Anfield and Goodison Park, separated by just a park, come alive for these fixtures, which hold deep significance for fans in the city of Liverpool.
18. Schalke 04 vs Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Revierderby
The Revierderby between Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund is one of Germany’s most passionate rivalries. Based in the Ruhr region, these two clubs represent a community steeped in industrial history, with local pride intensifying their encounters.
Matches between Schalke and Dortmund are unpredictable, often delivering thrilling goals and dramatic moments. The rivalry extends beyond football, with fans on both sides fiercely loyal to their teams. The Revierderby is a cornerstone of Bundesliga tradition, capturing the heart of German football culture.
19. Olympiacos vs Panathinaikos (Greece)
Derby of the Eternal Enemies
The Derby of the Eternal Enemies is Greece’s most intense football rivalry, featuring Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. Representing Athens, this clash divides the city between Olympiacos’s working-class roots and Panathinaikos’s more cosmopolitan fanbase.
The matches are often volatile, with passionate fans creating an intimidating atmosphere. On the pitch, the games are fiercely contested, with high stakes in the Greek Super League. This derby is a showcase of the fiery passion that defines Greek football.
20. Flamengo vs Fluminense (Brazil)
Fla-Flu Derby
The Fla-Flu Derby is a Rio de Janeiro classic, featuring Flamengo and Fluminense. This rivalry dates back over a century and is one of Brazil’s most celebrated football fixtures.
The Maracanã Stadium comes alive during these matches, with fans filling it with chants, flags, and stunning displays of support. On the pitch, the derby is known for its attacking football and dramatic moments, reflecting the flair and creativity of Brazilian football. Fla-Flu is a celebration of the beautiful game at its most vibrant.
Experience One of These Famous Rivalries Live
Witness the fiercest football rivalries and football derbies live in the stadium for an unforgettable experience!
Are you ready for the ultimate football adventure? Check out these iconic matches and immerse yourself in the passion, drama, and excitement of the world’s greatest rivalries. Whether it’s the roar of the crowd at El Clásico, the intensity of the Derby della Madonnina, or the fiery atmosphere of the Eternal Derby, being there in person is a must for any football fan.
On our website, you’ll see where to find tickets to the biggest and most thrilling football derbies across the globe. From Premier League classics to historic European clashes, you can secure your seat and make your dream matchday a reality. Don’t miss the chance to be part of football history—start planning your next trip today!
