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.

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.

4 North West Derby

      Liverpool vs Manchester United

Record: Manchester United FC - 89 wins, Liverpool FC - 77 wins, Draws - 67

Some would say the biggest rivalry in World football. Personally, we feel that El Clasico and The Old Firm rank higher in terms of level of intensity & scrutiny, whilst The Milan derby ranks higher through proximity. But, we're splitting hairs here. The North West Derby is massive and one of the most watched games of football in the calendar year.

It originates from the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, when Manchester and Liverpool were key players in Britain’s industrial and economic development. Liverpool, as a major port city, became wealthy through international trade, while Manchester, as the world’s first industrialized city, relied heavily on Liverpool’s docks for the export of its goods. The rivalry intensified in 1894 when Manchester built the Manchester Ship Canal, allowing ships to bypass Liverpool’s port entirely, striking a significant blow to Liverpool’s economy. This sparked resentment between the cities that extended into other aspects of life, including football.

The football rivalry began to grow as both clubs rose to prominence. Manchester United, founded in 1878, and Liverpool, founded in 1892, quickly became symbols of their respective cities. Over time, their proximity and success on the pitch fueled an increasingly bitter competition. Several key matches and moments over the years have deepened this rivalry. One of the earliest notable clashes was the 1964 FA Cup tie, where Liverpool defeated Manchester United 3-0, setting an early tone for the fierce competition. In 1977, Manchester United prevented Liverpool from winning a historic treble by defeating them 2-1 in the FA Cup final. The rivalry continued to heat up, especially with the arrival of Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United’s manager in 1986. Ferguson famously vowed to “knock Liverpool off their perch” after Liverpool had dominated English football in the 1970s and 1980s, winning 11 league titles during that period. Under Ferguson, United eventually surpassed Liverpool’s record of league championships, adding fuel to the fire.



In more recent times, notable matches like Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield in 2009 and Liverpool’s 5-0 demolition of United at Old Trafford in 2021 have kept the rivalry alive and fierce. Beyond the pitch, the rivalry has extended to fan culture, with derogatory chants from both sides. At times, these have crossed the line, with fans mocking each other over the tragedies of the Hillsborough disaster and the Munich air disaster, although both clubs have condemned such behavior. The rivalry has also taken on renewed significance in the modern era, with Liverpool’s resurgence under Jürgen Klopp, including their 2019 Champions League victory and their first Premier League title in 2020 after a 30-year wait, reigniting competition between the clubs.

Culturally, the rivalry symbolizes the broader competition between Manchester and Liverpool. Manchester, known for its industrial roots and contributions to music and arts, contrasts with Liverpool’s rich maritime history and cultural influence, most notably through The Beatles. On the football pitch, Manchester United and Liverpool have become the avatars of their cities, representing the pride, history, and identity of their supporters. Over the years, this has made their encounters not just football matches but battles for bragging rights between two of England’s most passionate football cities.

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.

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,

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.

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.

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.

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