These are the 20 biggest rivalries in football

Written by Emma Berger

Sep 8, 2022

11 min

Football

Check out the best football rivalries!

Football has many exciting matches, but nothing beats a good derby. The biggest rivalries in football create an incredible, electric atmosphere.

A derby is a rivalry between two football clubs. This term is often used to refer to a famous rivalry and most of those have their own nickname. Every season many supporters look forward to specific derbies giving place to legendary football games with heated atmospheres.

Keep on reading and learn all about the biggest football derbies and rivalries!

The 20 biggest football derbies

Teams	Derby nicknam	First meet	Biggest win
1. Barcelona vs Real Madrid	El Clásico	1902	11-1 (Real Madrid)
2. Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C.	The Old Firm Derby	1888	7-1 (Celtic)
3. Boca Juniors vs River Plate	The Superclásico	1913	6-0 (Boca Juniors)
4. AC Milan vs Inter Milan	Derby della Madonnina (Milan Derby)	1909	0-6 (AC Milan)
5. Fenerbahçe vs Galatasaray	Kitalararasi Derbi	1909	7-0 (Galatasaray)
6. Liverpool vs Manchester United	The North West Derby	1894	7-1 (Liverpool)
7. Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund	Der Klassiker	1965	11-1 (Bayern München)
8. Arsenal vs Tottenham	The North London Derby	1909	6-0 (Arsenal)
9. Corinthians vs Palmeiras	Paulista Derby	1917	8-0 (Palmeiras)
10. Ajax vs Feyenoord	De klassieker	1917	8–2 (Ajax)
11. Benfica vs FC Porto	O Clássico	1912	12-2 (Benfica)
12. Marseille vs PSG	Le Classique	1970	1-5 (PSG)
13. Manchester United vs Manchester City	The Manchester Derby	1881	6-1 (Manchester City)
14. Liverpool vs Everton	The Merseyside Derby	1894	7-4 (Liverpool)
15. Olympiacos F.C. vs Panathinaikos F.C.	Derby of the Eternal Enemies	1930	1-6 (Olympiacos)
16. Rode Ster Belgrado vs Partizan Belgrado	Eternal Derby	1947	1–7 (Partizan)
17. West Ham United vs .Millwall	The Dockers derby	1899	1–7 (Millwall)
18. Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid	El Derbi Madrileño	1906	7-3 (Atletico Madrid)
19. Lazio Roma vs AS Roma	Derby della Capitale (The Rome Derby)	1929	0-4 (AS Roma)
20. Anderlecht vs Standard Luik	The Clasico	1919	7-4 (Anderlecht)

When is the match a derby?

Here are some factors that contribute to creating fierce football rivalries:

Location: Many derbies are between local rivals and sometimes even from the same city. This makes it easy for supporters of both teams to gather at a stadium, which can make for a rough, stormy and raw atmosphere.

History: A sequence of important matches only adds fuel to a rivalry. Important tournament matches or cup finals can stir up fierce emotions among players and supporters.

Quality of play: Football rivalries should also be reflected in results on the pitch. Many clubs in this list also rank high in their respective league.

1. Barcelona vs Real Madrid

El Clásico

El Clásico is perhaps the most famous rivalry in the world. Everyone knows that El Clásico stands for the derby between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The first match between those two clubs was in 1902, when Real Madrid was still called Madrid CF. FC Barcelona won this friendly match 3-1.

But the derby was not yet born… The rivalry came about because of the long-standing sensitive political background. Real Madrid is seen as representing Spanish nationalism, while Barcelona is seen as representing Catalan nationalism. Those two ideologies clashed and so the El Clásico derby was born.

2. Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C.

The Old Firm Derby

Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. is one of the biggest rivalry in football. The Old Firm Derby is contested between two of the most successful clubs in the history of Scottish football, Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. This derby is one of the oldest and most heavily charged derbies in the world. Their first match was in 1888, when both clubs could still play each other as friends.

Over the years, friendly contact faded and hatred grew due to a difference in religion. The city was geographically divided into a Catholic and Protestant part. Celtic had the Catholic faith and Rangers the Protestant faith. The match also has a history of violence with some fans involved in field invasions and vandalism. The legions of both clubs are so involved that the Old Firm Derby is responsible for millions in revenue for Scotland’s economy.

3. Boca Juniors vs River Plate

The Superclásico

The Superclásico is known worldwide as one of the fiercest and most famous rivalries in the world of football. Clásico is a Spanish word for derby. And this Argentine derby was called Superclásico because it saw the most successful and popular clubs face each other. Some newspapers and magazines say that this derby is an absolute must-see. It is considered one of the biggest rivalries in football.

Since 1913, Boca Juniors and River Plate have been competing for the title of the best club in Bueno Aires. Boca Juniors is the club of the people, while River Plate fans are mostly from the upper class. The rivalry was caused by this class difference. In 2015, a Boca fan attacked some River Plate players with pepper spray. Go watch this derby and a legendary football game is guaranteed !

4. AC Milan vs Inter Milan

Derby della Madonnina

Derby della Madonnina is one of the most followed derbies. The name ‘Derby della Madonnina’ was chosen after the statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the Duomo. This statue of the Virgin Mary is also known as the “Madonnina”. The first meet of these football rivals was in 1909 and both clubs had one goal: to be the best club in Milan. The derby came about because of the social divide between the supporters. Inter Milan attracted the lower class, while AC Milan attracted the working class.

Fun Fact: Did you know that AC Milan and Inter Milan play in the same stadium when they have a home game? The stadium is officially called Giuseppe Meazza, named after a footballer who was incredibly successful at Inter. AC Milan supporters do not want to hear about this and prefer to call the stadium San Siro. That is the name of the Milan district where the stadium is located.

5. Fenerbahçe vs Galatasaray

Kitalararasi Derbi

The Kitalararasi Derbi, also known as the Intercontinental Derby, is a battle between Fenerbahçe SK and Galatasaray SK. It is widely regarded as the biggest football match in Turkey. The first meet of these football rivals took place in 1909, so the rivalry between the clubs has existed for about a century. This rivalry has grown into one of the biggest, most intense and often bitter derby.

This tense football rivalry is known as ‘intercontinental’ because Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray are two of the most important Turkish teams in the Asian and European part of Istanbul. The rivalry did not come about for geographical reasons alone: cultures also clashed. Galatasaray is regarded as a petty club founded by students while Fenerbahçe is a true people’s club. Fans of both clubs cannot stand each other – which is a perfect ingredient for the best derbies in football.

6. Liverpool vs Manchester United

The North West Derby

Looking for Premier League derbies? This is the one! The North West Derby is considered one of the biggest derbies in English football. A true regional derby where arch-rivals, Manchester United and Liverpool, compete against each other.

The two cities are only 50 km apart (a very short distance by English standards) and have always competed with each other industrially and economically. The derby is rated even higher among the legion of supporters than matches between local football rivals, such as Everton and Manchester City. This shows how serious and intense the North West Derby is. The North West Derby is what supporters always look forward to and is a testament to the ferocity of English football.

7. Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund

Der Klassiker

The Klassiker is one of the biggest derbies in football. It is played between two of the most successful clubs in Germany, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. The first match between those two clubs took place in 1965 and the rivalry kept growing since then. In the 1990s. Dortmund rose to prominence by conquering the Bundesliga title several times in a row.

In the 2010s, this rivalry rose to new heights and both clubs were constant contenders for the Bundesliga title. With an exuberant crowd and some of the best football around, don’t miss out on the chance to witness Germany’s most legendary football games.

8. Arsenal vs Tottenham

The North London Derby

Nothing beats a good Premier League derby! The North London Derby is played between the two most famous clubs in London, Arsenal and Tottenham. As one of the fiercest derbies in English football, this event always makes for an exciting match played at a fast pace. Everyone looks forward to this match!

At their first meet in 1909, there was no rivalry between the two clubs. Arsenal originated in the Woolwich district, which was southeast of London. But when Arsenal moved to Highbury in north London, the Spurs supporters were not happy. Arsenal came into Tottenham’s territory and the stadiums were only 5 km apart. With the arrival of The Gunners to North London, the rivalry was born: The North London Derby!

9. Corinthians vs Palmeiras

Paulista Derby

The Paulista Derby is the biggest rivalry in Brazil. The football rivals, Corinthians and Palmeiras, are the two oldest clubs in São Paulo. The rivalry began in 1917 when Corinthians, unbeaten in 25 matches, lost 3-0 to the relatively new Palmeiras. Corinthians could not believe it and this defeat has never been forgotten.

Palmeiras managed to record a few epic wins over their rival. Like the remarkable match in 1933 where Palmeiras beat Corinthians 8-0. And in 2020, Palmeiras defeated Corinthians in the final of the Campeonato Paulista. The Paulista Derby is definitely one of the most famous rivalries in football.

10. Ajax vs Feyenoord

De Klassieker

De Klassieker is a derby of Dutch origin and everyone knows the football rivals: Amsterdam and Rotterdam. De Klassieker is high on the list of the biggest derbies in football, next to FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid (El Clásico) and Glasgow Rangers vs Celtic (The Old Firm Derby).

The first match between those two clubs took place in 1917, but the rivalry really started in 1921. Ajax played first in the First Division, and Feyenoord followed closely behind. When they faced each other on the pitch in Rotterdam, the score was 2-3 for the Amsterdammers. Feyenoord protested and the result was ruled 2-2. Their rivalry has been on fire ever since. Major riots take place before, during and after the matches. Torches, fireworks and sometimes bombs are set off around the event. Will you dare to visit De Klassieker? Then you’ll be guaranteed a legendary football game in the stadium!

11. Benfica vs FC Porto

O Clássico

In the Primeira Liga, football rivals S.L. Benfica and FC Porto stand out. They also represent Lisbon and Porto respectively, the two largest cities in Portugal. Benfica is known as a relaxed club, while Porto is known as a hard-working side with a lot of fighting spirit. This clash of cultures has led to a rivalry with much friction.

Two teams, two cities, one country and one ultimate goal: to become the best football club in their respective countries… Benfica has consistently been a top tier team in the domestic league. Conversely, Porto has had more success in European competition. Ironically, this rivalry has never seen a match in European competition.

12. Marseille vs PSG

Le Classique

We’ve had El Clássico, Der Klassieker, De Klassieker, O Clássico, but then you also have: Le Classique. One of the biggest football rivalries in France is a match between Marseille vs Paris Saint-Germain. The playing of legendary football games by these football rivals are known to raise strong emotions. Their matches in the 1970s gave little indication that the two would become great opponents. At the time, the newly formed Parisians were trying to put together a competitive team, while the Olympians were Ligue 1 contenders.

It all changed in 1986 when PSG won their first championship and Olympique Marseille were bought by Bernard Tapie. By the end of the decade, PSG were competing for the 1988-89 title against Tapie’s Marseille, and the rivalry began. PSG president Francis Borelli’s accusations against Tapie and OM for manipulating matches during that season contributed to their growing rivalry. Le Classique definitely earned a spot among the most famous football rivalries.

13. Manchester United vs Manchester City

The Manchester Derby

The Manchester Derby is the ultimate cracker in Premier League derbies. The Manchester Derby is played between old city rivals Manchester United and Manchester City. These matches always attract many supporters. It gives Manchester City the chance to outdo their more popular rival.

Like many derbies, this one also has a background of drama. One notable match in 2011 was a huge defeat for United when Manchester City won 6-1. The “noisy neighbours” have always been a thorn in Manchester United’s side. In recent times, Manchester City have played enchanting football and won Premier League titles. These famous clubs fit right in this famous rivalries list.

14. Liverpool vs Everton

The Merseyside Derby

The Merseyside derby is known as the ‘friendly derby’. The derby is based purely on location, as Everton and Liverpool play 400 metres apart. There is apparently no real social or political divide between these clubs. Nonetheless, their rivalry is uncommonly fierce. The Merseyside Derby holds the record for most red cards in the Premier League. And it is indeed true… no less than 21 red cards have been drawn during matches between these rivals. Everton players have received 14 and Liverpool 7.

Although Liverpool have long surpassed Everton in the league, both teams take this derby seriously. Both clubs want the title of best club in Liverpool.

15. Olympiacos F.C. vs Panathinaikos F.C.

Derby of the Eternal Enemies

The Greek football rivals also have an intense derby to their name. The intensity of the rivalry between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos stems from the social difference between their regions and their supporters. Panathinaikos is based in the capital, Athens, which represents the upper class and ancient Athenian society. Olympiacos plays from Piraeus, a port city that has the working class as its fan base.

The Greek supporters know how to stir up rivalry. Violent incidents often occur around the time that this derby takes place. Emotions – as it is often the case with derbies – often take the players and supporters over.

16. Rode Ster Belgrado vs Partizan Belgrado

Eternal Derby

Like most famous rivalries, this one is a very fierce one. Red Star Belgrade vs Partizan Belgrade is known as the most combative and fiery derby in Europe. One that is certainly not to be missed in this list of biggest rivalries in football.

This derby does not stem from what happens on the pitch, but rather from what happens on the stands. Alongside the pitch, there is a constant battle between the two fanatical groups of supporters. This creates the biggest and craziest tifo and pyro (smoke torch) shows. You will be amazed when you visit an Eternal Derby match of the football rivals in Belgrade.

17. West Ham United vs Millwall

The Dockers derby

The rivalry between West Ham United and Millwall is better known as the Dockers derby. This English derby is an old gold and one of the biggest football rivalries in Britain.

The two teams, then known as Millwall Athletic and Thames Ironworks, both came from the East End of London. The football rivals were less than 5 km apart. They first played each other in the FA Cup of 1899-1900. In 1910, Millwall moved south of the River Thames and the teams were no longer East London neighbours. Despite this, the derbies remained passionate and both supporters still regard the other club as their main rival.

18. Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid

El Derbi Madrileño

During the La Liga, people are looking forward to El Derbi Madrileño. One of Madrid’s famous rivalries is played between city rivals Real Madrid and Atlético. Real Madrid may have won more often in the league, but Atlético have had more success in the Europa League.

This rivalry started because of clashes of political ideals. Francisco Franco’s regime became involved with Real Madrid, helping the club rising to prominence. It was purely for political reasons but it left a mark, making Real Madrid an ally of the dictator in many people’s minds. Real Madrid was then seen as the club for the elite and Atlético for the workers. To this day, the derby between Real and Atlético is always a guarantee of legendary football games and an electric atmosphere on the stands.

19. Lazio Roma vs AS Roma

Derby della Capitale (The Rome Derby)

If you are in Rome, this one is a must-see ! The Derby della Capitale is the local football match between football rivals: Lazio Roma and AS Roma. It is considered the fiercest derby in the country and has been characterised by massive crowds, excitement and fanatical supporters since the beginning.

The derby originated in the 1920’s. A.S. Roma was formed when three Roman clubs merged to challenge the dominance of the northern Italian clubs. S.S. Lazio refused to be part of the merger. Since then, these two clubs have competed for the title of the best club in Rome – as it is usually the case with city derbies. The intensity of the rivalry is enormous, often causing fanatical supporters to push the boundaries.

20. Anderlecht vs Standard Luik

The Clasico

Last but not least, the Belgian football classic! Two First Division football clubs in Belgium with a lot of fouls, tensions and disturbances. Anderlecht vs Standard de Liege is definitely a match to attend! What you can expect at a match: fire, bombs, demolished seats, huge tifos, chants throughout the match – basically everything you can think of that fanatical supporters can do in a stadium.

Those two football rivals always provide legendary football games and have earned their place amongst the biggest rivalries in football.

Experience one of these famous rivalries live

Witness the fiercest rivalries in football live at the stadium!

Ready for an adventure? Then check out one of these popular matches this season! On our website, you will find a number of big and exciting football rivalries that are a must-see in the stadium. From local city derbies to Premier League derbies – you can book that legendary and unforgettable match day here. Start planning your next football trip today.

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