The lovely game that we all know and adore would be far less enjoyable without tribalism. Many spectators and players are there to give gasoline to the fire, but the bulk of matchgoers are utterly engrossed in the on-field spectacles.
The foundation of the sport’s ever expanding culture is each club’s fan base, which also permeates its on-field rivalries, which take place all over the world, from the ferocious matches in South America to those that may be closer to home in Europe.
It’s safe to say that this intriguing chart, which ranks the top 75 rivalries in club football, is controversial because the North London derby, which is ranked 20th, is ranked above some of the most intense rivalries in neighbouring countries.
The 75 Greatest Football Rivals in the World: A Contentious List of the Top 10
Rank
Groups
The country
1.
Junior Boca vs. River Plate
Argentina
2.
Barcelona versus Real Madrid
Spain
3.
Rangers versus Celtic
Scotland
4.
Nacional vs. Penarol
Uruguay
5.
Lazio versus AS Roma
Italy
6.
Against Fenerbahce, Galatasaray
Turkey
7.
Liverpool versus Manchester United
England
8.
Schalke vs. Borussia Dortmund
Germany
9.
Paris Saint-Germain against Marseille
France
10.
Zamalek vs. Al Ahly
Egypt
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British Derbies that Feature in the Top 75
Manchester United vs Liverpool crack the top 10
Manchester United and Liverpool stand tall as the two finest and most illustrious clubs in Britain, and it helps that they have a bitter rivalry. Their animosity dates back to the Industrial Revolution, when both cities were experiencing economic prosperity and were situated 30 miles apart in the northwest of England.
Arsenal has usually stolen a march on the north London derby, which is regarded as one of the greatest inter-city derbies in world football and takes place further south. They are considered as the 20th most intense rivalry in football history, surpassing even the renowned Prague derby and, well, another 54 rivalries.
There is a bitter rivalry between Sunderland of the Championship and Newcastle United of the Premier League, who have frequently flown the Tyneside flag highest, as you go up the United Kingdom. Although it only occurs occasionally because they play in different leagues, West Ham United and Millwall’s rivalry is a unique beast in the busy centre of London, the metropolis of England.
Given that both teams play in the Premier League, Chelsea and Fulham’s rivalry in west London is also in the capital but may not be as fierce. The latter can think of themselves as no pushovers, but the former are clearly the more well-known group.
Known as the Second City derby, it retains its classic flavour and is always a spectacle as Aston Villa and Birmingham City battle for the bragging rights centred in the Midlands. Although it wasn’t always the case, the former have recently eclipsed their regional competitors. When it came to their respective standings in English football, they were frequently on par, but Villa’s 2024–2025 Champions League participation has put them far ahead of their rivals.
Notable Omissions and Inclusions
Milan derby misses out, Boca Juniors vs River Plate takes the crown
It’s difficult to dispute that the two dominant teams in Argentine football, Boca Juniors and River Plate, have the most intense rivalry in club football. Melodrama is the ideal combination of on-field chaos and boisterous spectators, particularly at the former’s La Bombonera, which has one of the greatest atmospheres in world football. This matchup generates enough of it.
Referred to as the “Superclasico” by football insiders, the animosity extends beyond the pitch, with many supporters considering it a must-see. Its intensity makes a strong argument for first place, which it is.
The animosity between the supporters of Celtic and Rangers, the two teams who dominate Scottish football, cannot be discredited, despite the division-wide standard of the Scottish Premiership having previously been criticised. The Old Firm derby, which is widely regarded as the most intense rivalry in British football, is always an impressive spectacle. As is the match between two of the biggest and wealthiest clubs in the Greek top flight, Olympiacos vs. Panathinaikos.
Since the beginning, Nacional and Penarol have shared 99 of Uruguay’s 119 league titles, which heightens the tension before the two teams face off in South America. Usually, their matches are played at a neutral venue to keep things civil.
Turkish football has a reputation for being fierce, and its supporters are among the greatest in the world, both at home and abroad. The main factor in it is the ongoing animosity between Fenerbahce, which is currently led by Jose Mourinho, and Galatasaray. As the two compete for a domestic trophy or the league crown, their matches frequently end in chaotic circumstances.
Imagine sharing a lot of similarities but harbouring a deep animosity for one another. In actuality, such is the life of the respective supporters of AC Milan and Inter, who are the bitterest of rivals despite having a lot in common, including the same stadium, the same name, and the same Italian metropolis. Strangely, they have only been ranked 12th.
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