7 Biggest Rivalries In Soccer 

The greatest rivalries in soccer always typically arise from a mixture of cultural and historical tension amongst extremely passionate fandoms. 

Emotionally charged rivalry in the sport tends to spawn unforgettable clashes full of controversy and legendary performances. 

But which are the 7 biggest rivalries in Soccer?

7. Ajax vs Feyenoord

‘The Classic’ or “De Klassieker” played between Dutch giants Ajax and Feyenoord first took place in late 1921. This intense rivalry is a result of two sides who have always traditionally fought for league titles with Ajax winning 36 Eredivisie and Feyenoord claiming 16.

Hostility regularly breaks out between both sets of fans, between 2009 and 2014 preventing away fans from being able to travel to each other’s grounds. Ajax then restricted their supporters from attending the fixture for an additional three seasons. Read more here about the world of live casino betting.

6. Manchester United vs Liverpool

The inaugural meeting between these two fiercely competitive English sides occurred back in 1925. The Red Devils rivalry with Liverpool has only grown deeper over the past 40 years with the Reds currently possessing 19 league titles and United leading the way on 20. 

Their rivalry hit new heights in February 2012 as Liverpool forward Luis Suarez returned from an eight match ban after alleged racial abuse of Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra. When the two met at Old Trafford, the United defender declined Suarez’s pre-game handshake and then celebrated wildly in front of him at full-time, which led to the two teams clashing!

5. Olympiacos vs Panathinaikos

Clashes involving Olympiacos and Panathinaikos are spawn from regional, cultural and social divides. Panathinaikos was founded in 1908 within central Athens and often affiliated with high society. Founded in 1925, Olympiacos has its roots close to the Port city of Piraeus and its supporters deemed more working class.

Meeting in the “Derby of the Eternal Rivals,” things reached a low point when in October 2023, Panathinaikos defender Juankar was hit by a firecracker during the warm- up and eventually required treatment. With the score tied at 1-1 after 50 minutes, the match was duly abandoned. 

4. Fenerbahce vs Galatasaray

Known as ‘The Intercontinental Derby, games involving Fenerbahce and Galatasaray were first observed in 1909. Over a century later, the side’s rivalry rages on as they continue to battle for league glory. 

Fenerbahce are ahead on 28 Turkish league titles whilst Galatasaray have 24. In November 2018 and in the aftermath of a tense draw, a trio of players saw red as a giant tussle broke out consisting of 30 players and staff.

3. Barcelona vs Real Madrid

El Clásico has witnessed matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid ever since 1902. The pair of La Liga clubs have forged the techiest of rivalries with Madrid winning 122 honours and Barcelona surpassing Los Blancos on 128.

The turn of the 2000’s in particular saw tensions rise between the two Spanish juggernauts. Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos once famously fought both Carles Puyol and Lionel Messi whilst Cristiano Ronaldo notoriously shoved Pep Guardiola.

2. Celtic vs Rangers

Celtic and Rangers first faced off in 1888. The Old Firm Derby is perhaps the highest profile fixture Scottish football has to offer and often involves a tussle for honours with Celtic claiming 118 honours and Rangers winning 117 overall throughout the league’s history to date.

Even today, the two teams brawl and in April 2024 both sets of players clashed after their 3-3 draw at Ibrox. Following the final whistle, emotions reached boiling point as several staff from both squads were soon drawn into the drama. 

1. Boca Juniors vs River Plate

The ‘Superclásico’ between Buenos Aires rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate first took place back in 1913 and remains an intense rivalry today. Both teams are originally from La Boca region near the city’s docklands which is a staunchly working class area.

Whilst tensions have always been high, 2011 proved one of its darkest periods. River Plate suffered relegation to the second tier for the first time in their 110 history. Boca fans celebrated their rivals’ downfall by engulfing the streets with red and white River plate themed papier mache coffins, much to the anger of Boca supporters!