El Clásico, Spain
In the realm of intense soccer rivalries, Spain’s most renowned and contentious foes, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF, likely hold the premier position. In fact, football fans around the world tune in for this match, whether they’re supporting Barcelona, Real Madrid or neither team.
El Clásico denotes the soccer matches contested between two prominent teams. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF meet during their seasons, frequently competing for the top position in the Champions League.
Superclásico, Argentina
If Spain has El Clásico, Argentina proudly presents its Superclásico. Considered one of the world’s top derby games, the clash between Argentina’s premier soccer teams, Boca Juniors and River Plate, ignites a shared thrill among fans nation- and worldwide. The Superclásico matches trace their roots to the 1900s, with the teams — both of which were established in Buenos Aires — sharing a rich history.
Old Firm, Scotland
The Old Firm stands out not only as Scotland’s but as one of the world’s most intense derbies. This highly competitive match features the Rangers and Celtic, two teams from Glasgow, going head-to-head.
The Old Firm continues to be a favored location for both historic and modern soccer rivalries. The ongoing competition between the two teams is an elemental aspect of Scottish culture and the narrative of the Old Firm is replete with unforgettable moments, iconic players, and triumphs and setbacks for each side.
Derby della Madonnina, Italy
In the heart of Milan, where fashion, art, and culture converge, a distinctive fervor for soccer thrives. The Derby della Madonnina is one of Italy’s most significant rivalries, showcasing an ongoing clash between the dominant forces of AC Milan and Inter in the city. This intense rivalry occurs a minimum of two times annually and encompasses the Champions League along with various other competitions.
The derby becomes even more thrilling as AC Milan and Inter, longstanding adversaries, represent the same city, thus uniting passionate Milan supporters on derby days. Nonetheless, the memorable images throughout the years have captured the moments of camaraderie between competing players and their supporters.
Istanbul derbies, Türkiye
In terms of legendary soccer rivalries, Beşiktaş, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahçe certainly stand out, not just in Türkiye but around the world. The atmosphere at these renowned Istanbul derbies is so electrifying that it literally sends shivers down the spines of soccer fans.
The three teams have been competing against one another for over a century. On derby days, supporters from Istanbul and across Türkiye rally behind their beloved teams — in fact, most of the country comes to a standstill as fans watch from the stand or on their screens.
North West Derby, United Kingdom
The North West Derby has united the teams from two cities in England for over a century. The competition between Manchester and Liverpool stands out as one of the most significant derbies globally; confrontations between the two clubs are regarded by players, fans, and media alike as one of the nation’s most prominent rivalries.
The competition is driven by the numerous championships secured by both teams in their seasons. The matches take place at Old Trafford, the legendary home of Manchester United, or Anfield, the stronghold of Liverpool. The celebrations of enthusiastic fans rock these stadiums, making these classic soccer derbies truly an experience to remember.
Choque-Rei, Brazil
Choque-Rei refers to the intense soccer rivalry between Palmeiras and São Paulo. The encounters between the two fierce rivals rank among the most significant derbies in Brazilian soccer and globally. The thrilling matchups between these two esteemed soccer clubs trace their origins to 1930. Their win-loss record is nearly identical, highlighting the intensity of the rivalry. This enhances the thrill of every Palmeiras and São Paulo derby.
Der Klassiker, Germany
The clash between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich captivates countless soccer fans both in Germany and worldwide. Der Klassiker is the name given to the match between the two teams that begins with the referee’s whistle. Throughout the years, both teams have successfully asserted their dominance over one another, yet the excitement, the thrill of scoring, and the determination to triumph never flags among Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich supporters.
Le Classique, France
Few rivalries in the history of French soccer are as thrilling as the encounters between Paris Saint Germain and Olympique Marseille. Referred to as Le Classique, the thrill of this iconic soccer derby arises not just from the competition between two soccer teams, but also from the rivalry between two French cities: Paris, the heart of culture, art, and fashion, competing with Marseille, the renowned port city celebrated for its rich maritime heritage. This rivalry began to take root in the 1970s and, since that time, Le Classique has continued to be a favorite, recognized as one of the largest derbies globally.
