The biggest rivalries in football
'Derby day' is possibly the most important weekend of the year for the avid football fan. It brings feelings of hope, fear and dread all in equal magnitude.
Determining the "biggest" football rivalries across the globe can be subjective and depends on various factors such as historical significance, intensity of matches, fan passion, and cultural context. We've done our best to rank the biggest rivalries in football/soccer below. With admittedly a bit of European bias from this British writer.
The biggest rivalries in football
- El Clásico (Real Madrid vs Barcelona) - Spain
- The Old Firm (Celtic vs Rangers) - Scotland
- Derby della Madonnina (AC Milan vs Inter Milan) - Italy
- Northwest Derby (Manchester United vs Liverpool) - England
- Revierderby (Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04) - Germany
- Superclásico (Boca Juniors vs River Plate) - Argentina
- Der Klassieker (Ajax vs Feyenoord) - Holland
- Derby de Lisboa (Benfica vs Sporting Lisbon) - Portugal
- Derby della Capitale (AS Roma vs Lazio) - Italy
- Eternal Derby (Partizan Belgrade vs Red Star Belgrade) - Serbia
- North London Derby (Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur)- England
- Manchester Derby (Manchester City vs Manchester United) - England
- Derby de France (Marseille vs PSG) - France
- Rheinland (Borussia Mönchengladbach vs 1. FC Köln) - Germany
- Tyne-wear Derby (Newcastle Utd vs Sunderland) - England
- Derby de la Mole (Torino vs Juventus) - Italy
- The Merseyside Derby (Liverpool vs Everton) - England
1 El Clasico
Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona
Record: Real Madrid - 97 wins, FC Barcelona - 96 wins, Draws - 52
The rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, known as El Clásico, is one of the most iconic matchups in football history. Originating in the early 20th century, the rivalry is deeply rooted in the political, cultural, and historical differences between the regions of Catalonia (Barcelona) and Castile (Real Madrid).
Catalonia has a strong separatist movement seeking independence from Spain, driven by grievances over issues such as taxation, cultural recognition, and autonomy. Barcelona, as the capital of Catalonia, has been at the forefront of this movement. Real Madrid, representing Castile, is often seen as a symbol of central authority and unity within Spain.
The rivalry is also fueled by fierce competition for domestic and European titles, with both clubs boasting passionate fanbases worldwide. Memorable encounters between the two sides include the 1943 Copa del Generalísimo final, known as the "Barça's Goalkeeper" game, and the 2011 Champions League semi-final, which Barcelona won 3-1 on aggregate.
Did you know: The honorific title "Real" is Spanish for "Royal" and was bestowed to the club by King Alfonso XIII in 1920 together with the royal crown in the emblem.
2011 UCL Semi-Final El Clasico
The Champions League semi-final in 2011 was a highly anticipated clash between the World's two best players and two best managers. Messi vs Ronaldo, Guardiola vs Mourinho. In the
first leg at the Bernabéu (Youtube link), Barcelona emerged victorious with Messi scoring twice, including a stunning solo effort. The return leg at Camp Nou saw tensions rise, with Real Madrid's Pepe controversially sent off. Despite being reduced to ten men, Real Madrid fought hard, but Messi's brilliance led Barcelona to a 3-1 victory on the night and a 5-1 aggregate win. Barcelona went on to win the Champions League title. The 2011 Barcelona side is now commonly considered one of the best teams in football history.
2 Old Firm Derby
Celtic vs Rangers
Record: Celtic FC - 159 wins, Rangers FC - 160 wins, Draws - 100
The Old Firm rivalry between Celtic FC and Rangers FC is one of the most intense and longstanding rivalries in football, deeply entrenched in Scottish history and culture. Dating back to the late 19th century, the rivalry is rooted in sectarianism, historical, and social divides between the predominantly Catholic Celtic and the Protestant Rangers. It also represents the rivalry between Glasgow's East End (Celtic) and South Side (Rangers). Iconic matches include the 1969 Scottish Cup Final, known as the "Lisbon Lions" game, and the 1999 Scottish Premier League title decider, which Rangers won 3-0.
Celtic and Rangers have been the dominant forces in Scottish football, collectively winning the majority of league titles, Scottish Cups, and Scottish League Cups. Their rivalry extends beyond local bragging rights, as it often determines the outcome of major trophies and league championships. At time of writing, Rangers have won the Scottish top division the most times, with 55 titles. Celtic are close behind and catching up, on 53. After these two clubs there is a chasm to the third most successful clubs, Aberdeen, Hearts & Hibernian, who all hold 4 titles each.
3 Derby della Madonnina
AC Milan vs Inter Milan
Record: AC Milan - 82 wins, Inter Milan - 79 wins, Draws - 59
The Derby della Madonnina between AC Milan and Inter Milan is a fiercely contested rivalry that divides the city of Milan. Originating in the early 20th century, the rivalry is fueled by the competition for local and national dominance in Italian football. It's also influenced by the historical social divisions between the working-class Interisti and the bourgeois Milanisti. Matches between the two sides are often heated and intense, with iconic encounters including the 1965 European Cup Final, won by Inter 2-1, and the 2005 Champions League quarter-final, won by Milan on away goals.
Did you know: The derby is named after the statue of the Virgin Mary, which sits atop the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) in the city center. The term "Madonnina" refers to the statue's depiction of the Virgin Mary as the protector of the city of Milan.
4 North West Derby
Liverpool vs Manchester United
Record: Manchester United FC - 89 wins, Liverpool FC - 77 wins, Draws - 67
The North West Derby between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC is one of the most storied rivalries in English football, rooted in the industrial and commercial competition between Liverpool and Manchester during the Industrial Revolution. Dating back to the late 19th century, the rivalry is fueled by the historical success of both clubs and the regional rivalry between North West England's two largest cities. Memorable matches include the 2008-09 Champions League quarter-final, won by United on aggregate, and the 1999 FA Cup fourth-round clash, won by Liverpool 2-1.
March 14, 2009 at Old Trafford
A significant victory for Liverpool, winning 4-1 away at Old Trafford. Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool captain, scored twice in the game, once from the penalty spot and another from open play. After converting the penalty, Gerrard ran towards the corner flag and kissed the television camera in a passionate celebration. The moment became iconic in the history of the North West Derby, symbolising Liverpool's triumph over their fierce rivals on their own turf. It also reflected Gerrard's status as a talismanic figure for Liverpool and his ability to deliver in high-pressure matches against top opposition.
5 Revierderby
Borussia Dortmund vs FC Shalke 04
Record: Borussia Dortmund - 34 wins, FC Schalke 04 - 32 wins, Draws - 31
The Revierderby, or Ruhr derby, is one of Germany's most passionate football rivalries, pitting Borussia Dortmund against FC Schalke 04. Dating back to the early 20th century, the rivalry is fueled by the intense competition between two of the Ruhr region's biggest clubs and their passionate fanbases.
This derby is not only about football but also reflects the historical and cultural dynamics of the Ruhr area, which is one of the most densely populated and industrialised regions in Germany. The rivalry stems from the close proximity of the two clubs, both located in the Ruhr area, and their respective roles within the region's identity.
Memorable encounters include the 2017-18 Bundesliga match, known as the "Revierderby of the Century," in which Schalke came back from 4-0 down to draw 4-4.
Did you know: The Revierderby holds the record for the highest attendance at a Bundesliga match. On October 8, 1969, a staggering 78,000 fans packed into Dortmund's Westfalenstadion (now Signal Iduna Park) to witness Borussia Dortmund take on FC Schalke 04.
6 Superclasico
Boca Juniors vs River Plate
Record: Boca Juniors - 88 wins, River Plate - 82 wins, Draws - 79
The Superclásico is the fierce rivalry between Buenos Aires-based clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate, which dates back to the early 20th century. It's fueled by the intense passion of Argentine football fans and the historical and cultural significance of the clubs in Argentine football.
Matches between Boca Juniors and River Plate have not been confined to Argentine borders. Matches have been played on various continents, including Europe, North America, and Asia, as part of friendly tournaments and international exhibitions.
One of the most controversial Superclásico matches occurred on May 26, 2018, during the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain. Originally slated for River Plate's home ground, Estadio Monumental, the match was relocated due to safety concerns after violent incidents erupted outside the stadium prior to the scheduled kick-off. The decision to move the match to Madrid came after River Plate fans attacked the Boca Juniors team bus with projectiles, injuring several players, leading to widespread condemnation and raising concerns about fan safety and security.
The match's postponements and rescheduling caused logistical challenges and uncertainty for both clubs, players, and fans. Moving the final to Madrid meant that neither Boca Juniors nor River Plate had a home advantage, sparking debate about the fairness of playing such a significant match on neutral ground, especially considering the historic rivalry between the two clubs.
The match itself was marred by contentious refereeing decisions, including the dismissal of River Plate's Wilmar Barrios for a second yellow card, further fueling tensions and controversies surrounding the outcome of the match. Ultimately, River Plate emerged as the winners of the 2018 Copa Libertadores final, defeating Boca Juniors 3-1 in extra time (5-3 on aggregate). However, the controversy surrounding the match, including the violent incidents and the decision to relocate the final to Madrid, left a lasting impact on the history of the Superclásico and South American football.
7 Der Klassieker
Ajax vs Feyenoord
Record: Ajax Amsterdam - 82 wins, Feyenoord Rotterdam - 62 wins, Draws - 52
De Klassieker is the intense rivalry between Dutch football clubs Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord Rotterdam. Rooted in the historical and cultural rivalry between the cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the rivalry is one of the most fiercely contested in Dutch football.
The rivalry between the two clubs stems from the inter-city rivalry between Amsterdam from where Ajax hails and Rotterdam which is the base of Feyenoord. Amsterdam and Rotterdam were the first two Dutch cities to receive their city rights in the 13th century.
Iconic encounters include the 2016 KNVB Cup final, won by Feyenoord 2-1, and the 2012 Eredivisie match, known as the "Clash of the Champions," won by Ajax 2-1.
8 Derby de Lisboa
Sporting Lisbon vs Benfica
Record: Benfica - 157 wins, Sporting CP - 121 wins, Draws - 99
The Derby de Lisboa is the fiercely contested rivalry between Lisbon-based football clubs Benfica and Sporting CP. Rooted in the historical and cultural rivalry between the two clubs and their respective fanbases, the rivalry dates back to the early 20th century. Memorable encounters include the 1986 Taça de Portugal final, won by Benfica 2-1, and the 1994 Taça de Portugal final, won by Sporting CP 1-0.
The rivalry holds the record for the highest-scoring match in the history of the Primeira Liga, the top tier of Portuguese football. This extraordinary match took place on February 14, 1943, at the Estádio do Lumiar (now demolished) in Lisbon. Benfica emerged victorious with a 12-2 win over Sporting CP,
9 Derby della Capitale
AS Roma vs Lazio
Record: AS Roma - 77 wins, Lazio - 55 wins, Draws - 67
The Derby della Capitale is the fiercely contested rivalry between Rome-based football clubs AS Roma and Lazio. Rooted in the historical, cultural, and geographical divides within the city of Rome, the rivalry is one of the most heated in Italian football and represents a clash between the city's contrasting identities and demographics. AS Roma is often associated with the working-class neighbourhoods of Rome, while Lazio has traditionally drawn support from the wealthier and more affluent areas.
Notable matches include the 2013 Coppa Italia final, won by Lazio 1-0, and the 2000 Serie A match, known as the "Derby of the Centuries," won by Roma 5-1.
Did you know: The rivalry between AS Roma and Lazio dates back to the early 20th century when Lazio was founded in 1900 and AS Roma in 1927. However, the intensity of the rivalry truly escalated in the 1970s and 1980s when both clubs began to achieve success in Serie A.
10 The Eternal Derby
Red Star Belgrade vs Partizan Belgrade
Record:
Red Star Belgrade - 60 wins, Partizan Belgrade - 41 wins, Draws - 34
The Eternal Derby, or Večiti derbi, is the fiercely contested rivalry between Belgrade-based football clubs Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade. Rooted in the historical, political, and cultural divides within Serbia, the rivalry is one of the most intense in European football. Iconic encounters include the 2014 Serbian Cup final, won by Partizan 1-0, and the 1999 UEFA Champions League group stage match, won by Red Star 1-0.
Did you know: The Eternal Derby holds the record for the highest attendance at a football match in Serbian football history. In May 1975, a staggering crowd of over 108,000 spectators packed into Red Star Belgrade's Rajko Mitić Stadium (formerly known as Red Star Stadium) to witness a highly anticipated Eternal Derby clash between Red Star and Partizan.
11 The North London Derby
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
Record: Arsenal FC - 82 wins, Tottenham Hotspur FC - 65 wins, Draws - 54
The North London Derby is the fiercely contested rivalry between London-based football clubs Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC. Rooted in the geographical and historical rivalry between the two clubs and their respective fanbases, the rivalry is one of the most intense in English football. Memorable encounters include the 2008-09 Premier League match, known as the "4-4 draw," and the 1991 FA Cup semi-final, won by Tottenham Hotspur on penalties.
Did you know: The derby holds the record for the most draws in Premier League history among top-flight fixtures. As of 2022, the North London Derby had ended in a draw 24 times in the Premier League era.
12 The Manchester Derby
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Record: Manchester United FC - 79 wins, Manchester City FC - 55 wins, Draws - 53
The Manchester Derby is the fiercely contested rivalry between Manchester-based football clubs Manchester United FC and Manchester City FC. Rooted in the geographical and historical rivalry between the two clubs and their respective fanbases, the rivalry has intensified in recent years with both clubs competing for domestic and European honors. Notable matches include the 2018-19 Premier League match, won by Manchester United 2-0, and the 2012 Premier League match, won by Manchester City 6-1.
13 Derby de France
Marseille vs Paris Saint Germain
Record: Marseille - 43 wins, Paris Saint-Germain - 28 wins, Draws - 28
The Derby de France is the fiercely contested rivalry between French football clubs Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Rooted in the historical, cultural, and geographical divides between the cities of Marseille and Paris, the rivalry is one of the most heated in French football. Notable matches include the 2010 Coupe de France quarter-final, won by PSG 3-0, and the 1993 Ligue 1 match, known as the "Le Classique," won by Marseille 3-1.
One of the most heated matches occurred during the 1992-1993 season when Marseille secured a dramatic 3-1 victory over PSG at the Parc des Princes. The match was marred by a shocking incident when PSG's Brazilian forward, Valdo Filho, was struck by a projectile thrown from the stands, resulting in chaos and uproar among players and fans.
14 Rheinland Derby
Borussia Mönchengladbach vs 1. FC Köln
Record: Borussia Mönchengladbach - 50 wins, 1. FC Köln - 34 wins, Draws - 34
The Rheinland Derby is the fiercely contested rivalry between German football clubs Borussia Mönchengladbach and 1. FC Köln. Rooted in the geographical and historical rivalry between the cities of Mönchengladbach and Cologne, the rivalry is one of the most intense in German football. Iconic encounters include the 1978 Bundesliga match, known as the "Fohlenelf's triumph," and the 2016 Bundesliga match, won by 1. FC Köln 2-1.
15 The Tyne-Wear Derby
Newcastle United vs Sunderland AFC
Record: Newcastle United FC - 53 wins, Sunderland AFC - 47 wins, Draws - 51
The Tyne-Wear Derby is the fiercely contested rivalry between English football clubs Newcastle United FC and Sunderland AFC. The history of the Tyne–Wear derby is a modern-day extension of a rivalry between Sunderland and Newcastle that dates back to the English Civil War when protestations over advantages that merchants in Royalist Newcastle had over their Wearside counterparts led to Sunderland becoming a Parliamentarian stronghold.
Just 12 miles separate the two cities, with the Magpies based at St James’ Park and the Black Cats situated at the Stadium of Light.
The first meeting between Sunderland and Newcastle took place on Christmas Eve in 1898, when the Black Cats edged out the Magpies 3-2 in Division One. Since then, notable matches include the 2014 Premier League match, known as the "Derby Day Massacre," and the 1999 Premier League match, won by Newcastle United 2-1.
Did you know: The derby holds the record for the most red cards in Premier League history for a single fixture. One particualrly fiesty match was played on August 20, 2006, at St James' Park, where three players were sent off during the game, two from Sunderland and one from Newcastle United. The red cards were issued to Sunderland's Steven Caldwell and Alan Stubbs, as well as Newcastle United's Kieron Dyer. The scoring opened in the 16th minute when Sunderland's Liam Lawrence converted a penalty, giving the visitors the lead, but Newcastle United equalised in the 38th minute through a goal from Charles N'Zogbia.
16 Derby de la Mole
Juventus vs Torino
Record: Juventus FC - 102 wins, Torino FC - 50 wins, Draws - 74
The Derby de la Mole is the fiercely contested rivalry between Italian football clubs Juventus FC and Torino FC.
Juventus Stadium is located in the Vallette borough of Turin. It is situated approximately 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles) to the south of the city center. Whereas, Torino's home ground, Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, commonly referred to simply as the Stadio Olimpico, is situated in the Santa Rita district of Turin, southwest of the city center. The distance between the two stadiums is roughly around 5 to 7 kilometers.
Juventus, with its illustrious history of domestic and international success, represents the establishment, while Torino, with its strong working-class identity, seeks to challenge its dominance. Classic encounters between the two sides have been marked by intense battles on the field, with memorable moments etched into the annals of Italian football history. The "Grande Torino" era of the 1940s saw both teams vying for dominance, while the tragic Superga air disaster in 1949 deepened the emotional resonance of the rivalry. Victories in the Derby della Mole are celebrated fervently by both sets of supporters. Despite Juventus' continued dominance in Italian football, Torino occasionally manages to secure victories or draws, ensuring that the Derby de la Mole remains one of the most fiercely contested and passionate rivalries in Italian football.
Iconic encounters include the 2015 Coppa Italia final, won by Juventus 2-1, and the 1976 Serie A match, known as the "Derby of the Centuries," won by Torino 2-0.
Did you know: The "Derby de la Mole" gets its name from the Mole Antonelliana, a prominent landmark in the city of Turin, Italy. The Mole Antonelliana is an iconic building that stands tall in Turin's skyline and serves as a symbol of the city itself.
The term "la Mole" in Italian translates to "the building" or "the monument." Because the Mole Antonelliana is such a recognisable and symbolic feature of Turin, it has become associated with the city's football rivalry.
17 The Merseyside Derby
Liverpool vs Everton
Record: Liverpool - 94 wins, Everton - 68 wins, Draws - 82
The Merseyside Derby is a fiercely contested football rivalry between Liverpool FC and Everton FC, two clubs based in the city of Liverpool, England. This historic rivalry is deeply rooted in the city's rich footballing heritage, dating back to the late 19th century when both clubs were founded.
The geographical context of the Merseyside Derby is significant, as it reflects the close proximity of Liverpool and Everton, situated on opposite sides of the River Mersey. This proximity has fostered a sense of local pride and identity among supporters of both clubs, with the rivalry transcending football to encompass cultural, social, and historical dimensions.
April 20, 1991 at Goodison Park
The Merseyside Derby has produced countless memorable moments and iconic matches throughout its history.
One notable Merseyside Derby match occurred on April 20, 1991, during the 1990-1991 First Division season. Liverpool faced Everton at Goodison Park in a crucial fixture. In the 83rd minute, Liverpool's Ian Rush scored a stunning goal, securing a 1-0 victory for his team. This win proved pivotal as Liverpool went on to win the league title that season. Rush's sensational strike remains a highlight of the Merseyside Derby history.
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