Football is the most popular sport globally, with its fans worldwide. There are several football leagues where players come together and compete with each other. Amidst everything, there are also the biggest football rivalries in the world, where oppositions compete with each other and entertain our players. But do you know who they are? In today's blog, I have shared the list of the biggest football rivalries in the world. So, if you want to know more, read the blog till the end!
Biggest Football Rivalries in the World
El Clasico
The rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona is known as El Clasico, one of the biggest football rivalries in the world. It has featured the most iconic competitions between both teams until now. The reason behind the deep-rooted rivalry is the political, historical, and cultural differences between Catalonia (Barcelona) and Castile (Real Madrid).
Catalonia has shown deep separatist movements from Spain, which have increased due to resentment over taxation, cultural recognition, and freedom. However, Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, has always been at the forefront of the movement. Real Madrid, representing Castile, is often seen as the symbol of Spain's central authority and unity.
However, several memorable encounters between both teams, including the 1943 Copa del Generalisimo final, known as the "Barca's Goalkeeper" game, and the 2011 Champions League semi-final, which Barcelona won 3-1. Between these rivals, Real Madrid got 97 wins, FC Barcelona got 96, and the Draws were 52.
Derby della Madonnina
The Derby della Madonnina is a deeply entrenched rivalry between AC Milan and Inter Milan that divides the country of Milan. Originating in the early 20th century, the rivalry is fueled by the competition for the national level at the Italian level. The rivalry is also affected by the social divisions between two working classes, including the Interisti and the bourgeois Milanisti.
The matches here are mostly heated and intense, with iconic encounters that include the 1965 European Cup Final, won by Inter 2-1, and the 2005 Champions League quarter-final, won by Milan on away goals. In the battle between them, AC Milan won 82 times, Inter Milan won 79, and the draws between them were 59.
- Also Read: Biggest Rivalries in Cricket
Old Firm Derby
The old rivalry between Celtic FC and Rangers FC is another most intense and biggest football rivalries. However, the rivalry between the two is deeply entrenched in Scottish history and culture, dating back to the late 19th century.
The main cause of the rivalry between these two is due to the rooted sectarianism and historical and social divides which exist between the predominantly Catholic Celtic and the protestant rangers. Some iconic matches between them include the 1969 Scottish Cup Final and the 1999 Scottish Premier League title, in which the Rangers won 3-0.
However, the Scottish top division has won the title over 55 times, but still, the Celtics were close behind and catching up on the 53. However, after these two football clubs, the most successful clubs, like Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibernian, hold all four titles. Here, the wins of Celtic FC were 159, Rangers FC's were 160, and there were 100 draws between both.
Revierderby
The Revierderby is another biggest football rivalries in the world, and it is between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04. The rivalry was fueled because of the intense competition between both teams. These are the two biggest clubs in the Ruhr region, with vast and passionate fan bases.
The football between both also reflects the historical and cultural dynamics of this region, one of Germany's most industrialised regions. However, the rivalry stems from the closeness of the two clubs located in the Ruhr area and their respective roles within the region's identity.
Some memorable encounters between both teams include the 2017-2018 Bundesliga match known as the "Revierderby of the Century", in which Schalke came back from 4-0 down to draw 4-4. In this rivalry, Borussia Dortmund got 34 wins, FC Schalke 04 got 32, and 31 draws between both teams.
Der Klassieker
The Der Klassieker is another most intense and biggest football rivalries between Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord Rotterdam. The rivalry is rooted in the historical and cultural rivalry between the cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and it is one of the most intense rivalries that is fiercely contested in Dutch football.
It is a kind of inter-city rivalry between both cities, and they were the first two cities in the Dutch region in the 13th century to receive their fundamental liberties. Some of the iconic encounters between both include the 2016 KNVB Cup final, which was won by Feyenoord 2-1, and the 2012 Eredivisie match, which is known as the "Clash of the Champions", which was won by Ajax 2-1. In this rivalry, Ajax Amsterdam got 82 wins, Feyenoord Rotterdam got 62, and 52 draws between both teams.
Frequently Asked Questions Biggest Football Rivalries in the World
What Makes a Football Rivalry So Intense?
There are several factors which determine the intensity of the football rivalry, such as the,
Historical success of the teams
Geographical proximity
Competition for trophies
Cultural, political and social divides
And also the iconic movements of the game
Why Is the El Clasico So Famous?
El Clasico is famous for its culture and political significance in Spain. It is also renowned because of the famous football players playing there, such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and a fanbase supporting both equally.
Name Two of the Most Renowned Football Rivalries in the World.
The most famous football rivalries in the world are El Clasico and the Old Firm.
Football is a team sport that offers amusement and limitless entertainment to players. Despite these biggest football rivalries competing in the battleground, they also teach us to follow proper football rules and regulations and remain calm despite defeats and losses in the game.
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