Football rivalries develop for different reasons. Some are rooted in geography, others in politics, religion, class, history or decades of competition between successful clubs.
Not every rivalry is a derby, and not every derby becomes one of football’s defining rivalries.
The following list is not intended as a definitive ranking. Supporters will understandably argue for their own club, city or country. Instead, it brings together some of the fixtures that have developed particular significance through history, supporter culture and the intensity surrounding them.
What Is the Difference Between a Derby and a Football Rivalry?
A derby usually refers to clubs from the same city, region or immediate geographical area: Everton v Liverpool, Roma v Lazio, Boca Juniors v River Plate.
A rivalry can exist across much greater distances. Manchester United v Liverpool, Real Madrid v Barcelona and Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund are obvious examples where history, success, identity or competition matters more than simple proximity.
Some fixtures are both.
Major Club Rivalries Around the World
El Clásico (Real Madrid vs Barcelona) – Spain
El Clásico is the crown jewel of Spanish football, pitting two of the most successful and glamorous clubs against each other. The rivalry began in earnest in the 1920s and is emblematic of a broader cultural and political clash between Catalonia and the rest of Spain. Barcelona, representing Catalan identity and pride, often contrasts with Real Madrid’s association with Spanish centralism. Matches are a showcase of footballing excellence, featuring some of the world’s greatest players.
The Old Firm (Celtic vs Rangers) – Scotland
The Old Firm is Scotland’s most intense and historic rivalry. Celtic and Rangers, both based in Glasgow, have a rivalry that transcends football, reflecting deep religious, political, and cultural differences. Celtic, with its Irish Catholic roots, faces off against Rangers, historically linked to the Protestant community. This fixture has seen some of the most passionate and, at times, contentious matches in football history.
Derby della Madonnina (AC Milan vs Inter Milan) – Italy
The Derby della Madonnina, or Milan Derby, is a spectacular showcase of Italian football. Both AC Milan and Inter Milan share the San Siro stadium, creating a unique atmosphere where both sets of fans vie for dominance in their shared home. The rivalry has been marked by some of the most memorable footballing moments in Serie A history, with both clubs boasting rich histories and numerous trophies.
Northwest Derby (Manchester United vs Liverpool) – England
The Northwest Derby is one of the most storied rivalries in English football. Manchester United and Liverpool, two of England’s most successful clubs, have clashed fiercely since the late 19th century. The rivalry is fueled by their historical dominance in English football and the geographical proximity of the two cities. Matches are often crucial in the context of the Premier League title race, adding extra spice to this already fiery fixture.
Revierderby (Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04) – Germany
The Revierderby is one of Germany’s most passionate rivalries, involving Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04. Both clubs hail from the Ruhr area, a region known for its industrial heritage and working-class roots. The fixture is a battle for regional pride and is characterized by its intense atmospheres and passionate fan bases.
Superclásico (Boca Juniors vs River Plate) – Argentina
The Superclásico is South America’s premier footballing rivalry, featuring Boca Juniors and River Plate, two of Argentina’s most successful clubs. The matches are legendary for their high stakes and the electrifying atmosphere at Buenos Aires’ stadiums. The rivalry embodies the rich football culture of Argentina, with games often reflecting broader social and cultural tensions.
Der Klassieker (Ajax vs Feyenoord) – Netherlands
Der Klassieker is the most significant rivalry in Dutch football, featuring Ajax and Feyenoord. The clash between these two clubs represents the cultural and historical divide between Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The fixture is known for its intense competitiveness and the passionate support of both fan bases.
Derby de Lisboa (Benfica vs Sporting Lisbon) – Portugal
The Derby de Lisboa is Portugal’s most heated football rivalry, featuring Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. The clash between these Lisbon-based giants reflects a long history of competition and local pride. Both clubs have a massive following, and their matches are among the highlights of the Portuguese football calendar.
Derby della Capitale (AS Roma vs Lazio) – Italy
The Derby della Capitale is the fiercest rivalry in Italian football, involving AS Roma and Lazio. The match is a showcase of Roman pride and often has significant implications for both teams’ seasons. The rivalry is marked by passionate support and a deep sense of local identity.
Eternal Derby (Partizan Belgrade vs Red Star Belgrade) – Serbia
The Eternal Derby is one of Eastern Europe’s most intense football rivalries, featuring Partizan Belgrade and Red Star Belgrade. This Serbian derby is known for its passionate fan bases and historical context, reflecting the deep social and political divides in the country.
North London Derby (Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur) – England
The North London Derby pits Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur, showcasing one of England’s most passionate local rivalries. The clash is driven by geographic proximity and historical competitiveness, with both clubs fiercely vying for supremacy in North London.
Manchester Derby (Manchester City vs Manchester United) – England
The Manchester Derby features Manchester City and Manchester United, two of the most successful clubs in English football. The rivalry has intensified in recent years with City’s rise to prominence challenging United’s historic dominance. Matches are often high-stakes affairs, reflecting the growing competitiveness between the two clubs.
Derby de France (Marseille vs PSG) – France
The Derby de France features Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), representing a clash between France’s two biggest cities. The rivalry reflects broader regional tensions and has been marked by some dramatic and fiercely contested matches, especially as PSG has risen to prominence in recent years.
Rheinland Derby (Borussia Mönchengladbach vs 1. FC Köln) – Germany
The Rheinland Derby is a fierce rivalry between Borussia Mönchengladbach and 1. FC Köln. This fixture represents a clash between two clubs from the Rheinland region of Germany, known for its passionate fan bases and regional pride. The matches are often characterized by high intensity and competitive play.
Tyne-Wear Derby (Newcastle United vs Sunderland) – England
The Tyne-Wear Derby features Newcastle United and Sunderland, two clubs from the northeast of England. The rivalry is rooted in regional competition and has produced some of the most passionate and memorable matches in English football. The fixture embodies the deep local pride and fierce competition of the northeast.
Derby de la Mole (Torino vs Juventus) – Italy
The Derby de la Mole involves Torino and Juventus, two clubs from Turin. The rivalry reflects a clash between the city’s two major footballing institutions, with Juventus traditionally being the more successful club. The matches are characterized by intense competition and strong local pride.
17. The Merseyside Derby (Liverpool vs Everton) – England
The Merseyside Derby pits Liverpool against Everton, two clubs from the same city. The rivalry is notable for its passionate fan base and local significance, with both clubs sharing the Anfield area. Matches are often fiercely contested and reflect the deep-rooted regional pride of Liverpool.
International Football Rivalries
Argentina v Brazil
South America’s defining international rivalry, built on neighbouring football superpowers competing for continental and global dominance. Pelé, Maradona, Messi and generations of elite players have added to the sense that each country measures itself against the other.
England v Germany
A rivalry shaped heavily by major tournament meetings rather than geography. The 1966 World Cup final, 1970 World Cup, Italia 90 and Euro 96 all added layers of significance that still colour the fixture.
Argentina v England
One of football’s most unusual intercontinental rivalries. World Cup controversy in 1966, the Falklands War, Maradona’s two famous goals in 1986, Beckham’s red card in 1998 and the 2002 rematch all gave it significance well beyond a normal international fixture.
Netherlands v Germany
A rivalry shaped by both football and twentieth-century history. The 1974 World Cup final became its defining match, before the Netherlands’ victory over West Germany at Euro 1988 gave Dutch supporters one of their most celebrated international moments.
Uruguay v Argentina
One of international football’s oldest major rivalries, sometimes referred to as the Clásico del Río de la Plata. The neighbours contested the inaugural World Cup final in 1930 and were central to the formative years of international football.
Scotland v England
The oldest official international fixture in football, first played in Glasgow in 1872. Geography, national identity and more than 150 years of history make the Auld Enemy fixture fundamentally different from most modern international rivalries.
Spain v Portugal
The Iberian Derby brings together neighbouring nations with closely connected histories but distinct football identities. Meetings have gained extra weight as both countries became major tournament contenders during the twenty-first century.
Poland v Germany
Geography and difficult shared history inevitably give Poland–Germany greater significance than a standard international fixture. On the pitch, their meetings include the famous rain-soaked 1974 World Cup match and Poland’s landmark competitive victory in 2014.
France v Germany
Repeated tournament encounters have made this one of Europe’s major international contests. The dramatic 1982 World Cup semi-final in Seville remains particularly significant, followed by further knockout meetings at the World Cup and European Championship.
France v Spain
More of a modern elite rivalry than an ancient football feud. Their proximity and regular competition at the top of European football – including major knockout and Nations League meetings – have increasingly given the fixture added weight.
Mexico v United States
One of the strongest modern international rivalries outside Europe and South America. Regional supremacy in CONCACAF, regular Gold Cup and Nations League meetings and the USA’s famous 2–0 World Cup victory in 2002 have made it increasingly intense.
Japan v South Korea
East Asia’s major international football rivalry. Historic and political tensions sit alongside competition for regional supremacy, while both countries’ growing stature in world football has increased the importance of their meetings.
Croatia v Serbia
A rivalry inseparable from the breakup of Yugoslavia and the conflicts of the 1990s. Matches are relatively infrequent, but when the countries meet the political and historical context gives the fixture an intensity well beyond football.
Algeria v Egypt
One of African football’s fiercest international rivalries. North African regional pride, repeated qualification battles and particularly hostile encounters around qualification for the 2010 World Cup intensified an already significant fixture; it also regularly appears on lists of major international rivalries.
France v Italy
Two neighbouring football powers with decades of competitive history. The Euro 2000 final and particularly the 2006 World Cup final – including Zinedine Zidane’s infamous dismissal – gave the rivalry some of its defining modern moments.
Rivalries endure because football clubs represent more than teams.
They can represent neighbourhood, city, region, class, history, politics or simply generations of accumulated memory.
The reasons differ from fixture to fixture, but the result is familiar: certain matches carry a weight that goes far beyond league position.
That intensity – and the supporter culture surrounding it – is what turns a football match into a rivalry.
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