Football is an exciting and fun-packed game, but what keeps the fans on the edge of their seats? The correct answer is a derby or a rivalry between two football clubs.
This beautiful sport has seen many rivalries between various football clubs, some of which last for over 100 years. Over the years, many players and coaches have come and left those clubs. But, the feud between those football clubs still lasts.
In the following segment, I’ll provide a list and an in-depth review of the most notorious rivalries in soccer history.
Keep reading, and take a look at the world’s biggest football rivalries!
#10 – Red Star Belgrade vs Partizan Belgrade
One of the most fierce football rivalries in the world is played between two Serbian clubs—Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade. This derby is one of the most heated derbies in the entire European continent and definitely deserves a spot on the list of the largest football rivalries.
Called the “Eternal Derby,” this heated rivalry began when Red Star and Partizan were founded in 1945. Many soccer fans in Serbia eagerly await this derby each year. Although there are fans who behave in the stands, there are fanatical groups of both teams that love to get into a fight from time to time.
Moreover, supporters of both clubs make some quite impressive smoke torch shows and are also the loudest in the whole of Europe.
Partizan and Red Star have played some impressive matches and scored many games against one another. However, the biggest win and the one with the most goals goes to Partizan when they beat Red Star 7-1 in 1953.
#9 – Olympiacos vs Panathinaikos
Next up on the list is the legendary clash between two of Greece’s biggest football clubs: Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. Nicknamed “Derby of Eternal Enemies,” this clash between two clubs from Athens guarantees these teams will put on a show.
This rivalry was first based on class differences between the two clubs. Panathinaikos, which is located in Athens, represents the rich or the upper class, while Olympiacos, who are located in the port city of Piraeus, represents the lower or working class. Nevertheless, today, supporters of all classes make the fanbases of these two fiery rivals.
The players of both clubs often push themselves to their limits to secure a victory. Moreover, the passionate atmosphere of this iconic derby sometimes gets too heated, and the fans engage in acts of violence.
Both Olympiacos and Panathinaikos have emerged as victors of the derby many times over the years. Still, the most remarkable win of all was achieved by Olympiacos when they beat their rivals 6-1.
#8 – Roma vs Lazio
The battle of Roman football giants is played between two famous Italian soccer clubs, Roma and Lazio. The “Derby della Capitale” is one of the most notorious football derbies in Europe, representing one of the biggest football rivalries on the planet. Lazio and Roma first encountered each other in 1929. Ever since then, they have competed for the title of the best soccer club in Rome.
During their numerous clashes, fights often broke out in the crowds. Moreover, fans often continued their disputes on the streets of Italy’s capital city. The ones who participate in these fights are the ultras or the fanatical supporters of both clubs, who often displayed controversial symbols and flags in the past.
Interestingly, these football clubs share one stadium, the Stadio Olimpico, which is quite unusual since many rival clubs from small cities play in different stadiums.
Roma and Lazio have played against each other for almost a century, and they beat one another on multiple occasions. However, the biggest win in the derby was accomplished in 1933, when Roma destroyed Lazio 5-0.
#7 – Schalke vs Borussia Dortmund
Even though Bayern Munich is the most famous club in Germany, it is not involved in the country’s biggest derby. The biggest derby is played between teams located in the Ruhr region—Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. This rivalry dates from 1925, making it one of the oldest derbies in Europe.
The “Revierderby” is legendary and mostly known for countless iconic moments, memorable players, and action-packed games. Also known as the “mother of all derbies,” the rivalry between Borussia and Schalke is ultimately built on mutual respect between the clubs. The best example was when Schalke helped Borussia in 1974 when the club battled with debt after being relegated to a lower level of competition.
These two clubs have had their fair share of hard-fought battles. One of the most memorable matches was in 1966 when Borussia Dortmund thrashed Schalke 7:0.
#6 – Liverpool vs Manchester United
The next iconic derby on the list of the most famous football rivalries in the world is the “North West Derby.” This is a legendary derby in which two of the most decorated football clubs clash—Liverpool and Manchester United.
Both Liverpool and Manchester United have won many Premier League titles and European Cups. The cities of Manchester and Liverpool weren’t just well known for competing against each other in football. They were also rivals in an industrial, cultural, and economic sense.
Ever since these football clubs collided for the first time in 1894, they would always put on a show. In more than 120 years of rivalry, Liverpool and Man United have recorded a lot of victories in this derby. But, the one that will forever be remembered is when Liverpool demolished Man United 7-0 in 2023.
Throughout the history of the rivalry between the Reds and the Red Devils, many feuds regarding managers and players spiced things up between these English football titans. Moreover, there have been numerous cases of fights between the passionate fans of the clubs, both in the stands and outside of the stadiums.
#5 – Fenerbahçe vs Galatasaray
The derby between Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe is one of the biggest rivalries in football. Known as the Intercontinental Derby, this is probably the most important match in Turkish football. It’s known as “intercontinental” because they are located on different continents.
Fenerbahçe is located in the Asian part of Turkey’s capital city, Istanbul. Galatasaray is in the European part of Istanbul. The supporters of both clubs can’t tolerate one another since they also have cultural differences because Galatasaray is a club made for the upper echelon of society. At the same time, Fenerbahçe is a lower or middle-class club.
The rivalry began in 1909, and since then, the match between these two clubs has developed into one of the most fierce derbies in not just Europe but in the whole world. The match that fueled the rivalry between these two clubs was played in 1934. That was meant to be a friendly game between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray. But, it turned out to be a gruesome encounter. The game was paused more than a few times because of hard fouls. Eventually, the referee had to stop the game.
These Turkish football titans have played many times against each other, but the most incredible match was played in 1911 when Galatasaray put on a show and beat Fenerbahçe 7-0.
#4 – AC Milan vs Inter Milan
Probably one of the greatest fixtures in football is the clash between the finest two clubs in Italy—Inter Milan and AC Milan. The derby is named Derby Della Madonnina because of the Virgin Mary’s statue, which is to be situated on the top of the Duomo, Milan’s Cathedral. The statue’s name is “Madonnina.”
These two clubs share the stadium, but both clubs name it differently. The fans of Inter Milan call it “Giuseppe Meazza,” while the supporters of AC Milan call it “San Siro.” From 1909, they battle for the title of Milan’s biggest club. Just like in the case of many other derbies, this one is also based on class differences. Inter Milan is known as the people’s club, while AC Milan attracts the upper class.
This combative rivalry has made some iconic moments, and one of the most memorable is when they played against each other in the Champions League in 2005. The fans from both sides caused so much commotion and chaos, that the match had to be stopped.
When we talk about notable clashes between AC Milan and Inter Milan, the most legendary one was when AC Milan brutally beat Inter in a 6-0 blowout in 2001.
#3 – Boca Juniors vs River Plate
The clash between River Plate and Boca Juniors is known as the most anticipated event for soccer fans in Argentina. Known across the globe as “The Superclasico,” this derby is probably the most violent of any on this top 10 list of football’s biggest rivalries. When translated from Spanish to English, “Superclasico” means “Super derby.”
Both River Plate and Boca Juniors come from Buenos Aires, and since 1913, they have competed to see who’s the no.1 in Argentina’s capital city. Class differences mostly cause the rivalry. These teams began to divide when River Plate went to a richer part of Buenos Aires. Because of that, supporters of Boca named them “Milionairos. Boca’s fans represent the working class, while River’s fans represent upper-class citizens.
This derby has seen numerous acts of violence but unfortunate events as well, like the following. In 1968, the most horrific derby between these clubs was when 71 fans were murdered, and over 100 supporters were injured when they were trying to exit the stadium.
Boca Juniors and River Plate rivalry is more than 100 years old, and they played many fascinating matches when they faced each other. However, the most memorable of all was when Boca beat River 6-0 in 1928.
#2 – Celtic vs Rangers
Rangers vs Celtic is the 2nd on the list of the best rivalries in football. These two clubs hold the most trophies out of all clubs in Scotland and also have the biggest fan bases. Nicknamed “The Old Firm” this derby between Rangers and Celtic is one of the oldest in football and dates back to 1888. What’s fascinating about this fierce rivalry is that the fans of these two clubs don’t just hate each other on the football stands. They also can’t stand each other off the pitch.
This derby is mostly based on religious differences since Celtic fans are in the part of the city where people are of Catholic faith, and the Rangers fans are in the part of the city where people are of Protestant faith.
The match between these two Scottish football titans has a history of numerous violent incidents. The biggest incident happened in 1980 after the Scottish Cup finals. Fans of the two teams invaded the pitch and started fighting with wooden staves and iron bars. The mounted police entered the pitch, and they made over 200 arrests that day.
Celtic and Rangers played numerous interesting matches over the years. The one that will always be remembered is when Celtic demolished their Glasgow Rivals, Rangers, 7-1 in 1957.
#1 – Barcelona vs Real Madrid
The biggest soccer rivalry is the match between two of the biggest clubs in Spain—Real Madrid and Barcelona. As both rank very high on the list of the most successful football clubs in the world, this makes the rivalry all the more special and often very high stakes.
This match transcends the game itself, and it’s watched by many football fans across the globe. Named “El Classico,” this derby between Real and Barca started in 1902. The atmosphere in the stadium is electrifying and passionate as many fans gather to support their favorite team. This incredible atmosphere also serves as motivation for players to perform better.
Like many other football derbies globally, this one is also based on differences. This rivalry began because of political differences since Real Madrid favored Spanish nationalism, while Barca favored the nationalism of Catalonia. These conflicting ideologies were among the few reasons that started the rivalry. Also, superstars and legendary managers further fuel the rivalry between Barca and Real Madrid.
What angers fans of both clubs is when certain players leave from Barca to Real or vice versa. The best example is when Figo went to Real from Barca, and one fan threw a pig’s head at him, which was the symbol of betrayal.
These clubs clashed numerous times, but the most unforgettable of all El Clasico derbies was when Real beat Barca 11-1 in 1943.
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