Top 10 biggest soccer rivalries in the world

Every year, football tournaments are always the focus of every football fan and lover around the world. The major leagues will converge the strongest teams. From there, create top-notch matches, eye-catching goals. Moments of suspense boil and tense with each movement of the ball. Let’s take a look at the biggest soccer rivalries, the most attractive in the world with premiumsoccertips through the article below!

Top 10 biggest soccer rivalries

1. MU vs Liverpool

The Derby match between Manchester United and Liverpool is not just the most significant international football encounter but also a clash between two cities, Manchester and Liverpool, separated by approximately 56 km. Despite both MU and Liverpool having had derbies with teams from their own cities like Everton and Man City, their matchup is always considered a crucial “local derby”.

MU and Liverpool are not just famous football clubs but also symbols of success in English football history. Before their latest match, MU had 82 wins, 58 draws, and 71 losses in a total of 211 English derby matches. However, in the most recent match, the Red Devils suffered a heavy defeat with a scoreline of 7-0 against Liverpool.

The intense clash between MU and Liverpool is not just a mere football match but an event that attracts attention from fans worldwide, providing both teams with an opportunity to showcase their strength and class in English football.

2. Juventus vs Inter Milan

Although the Derby d’Italia takes place at a distant location, with Turin being 142.5 km away from Milan, the historical rivalry between Juventus and Inter Milan has created one of the most captivating fixtures in Italian football. The term “Derby d’Italia” was introduced by journalist Gianni Brera in 1967 and has since become a focal point for global football enthusiasts.

When considering the history of clashes between the two football giants, Juventus and Inter Milan, Juventus holds the upper hand. The Bianconeri have secured victory 91 times, drawn 52 times, and lost only 56 times out of a total of 199 encounters. The drama and emotions of the Derby d’Italia lie not only in the final result but also in the unexpected twists and turns, captivating the emotions of fans of these great clubs.

3. Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund

Compared to other matches like the Derby d’Italia or El Clásico, Der Klassiker has a relatively young history. Until the 1990s, Borussia Dortmund emerged as a formidable opponent in German football. Before that, Werder Bremen was often seen as Bayern Munich’s biggest rival.

To date, the history of the Der Klassiker match predominantly favors Bayern Munich. Bayern has dominated with 65 wins, 35 draws, and only 32 losses out of a total of 132 initial matches. Notably, Der Klassiker is also the only “Classic” match to have occurred in a Champions League final. In 2013, Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 victory against Dortmund, creating a new chapter in the history of both Germany’s top clubs.

4. Marseille vs PSG

The match “Le Classique” between the giants of French football, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Marseille, has brought a new dimension to French football. PSG, founded in 1970, has engraved a classic encounter with Marseille, beginning in the 1990s and becoming increasingly fierce over the years, especially after substantial investment from their Arab owners.

This is the only match in France between two teams that have won the Champions League, with Marseille crowned in 1993 and PSG in 1996. The most recent “Le Classique” match witnessed PSG securing a 3-0 victory, extending their total wins to 45, compared to Marseille’s 34 wins and 21 draws.

The rivalry on the football pitch between PSG and Marseille is not only a clash on the field but also a race for position and national pride, turning “Le Classique” into an integral part of French football and even European football.

5. Benfica vs Porto

The “O Classico” match between Benfica and Porto is not just a clash between two top football teams in Portugal but also a rivalry between the two largest cities in the country, Lisbon and Porto. Since the 1980s, the idea of “O Classico” has been forming, and since then, this battle has become an integral part of Portuguese football.

During this period, Porto’s strength has been evident not only in domestic competitions but also at the continental level. Porto has even surpassed Sporting Lisbon, Benfica’s old rival, to become a powerhouse domestically. In the European arena, Porto has consistently demonstrated strength and dominance over opponents. As of now, both domestically and internationally, the showdown between Benfica and Porto leans towards Porto with 64 victories, 44 draws, and 49 losses, creating a fierce rivalry and spirited national pride.

6. Celtic vs Rangers

The Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers is not just a clash between two top football teams in Scotland but also an emotionally charged battle between two communities and various social classes. It can be seen as one of the most iconic matches, where competition extends beyond the pitch into daily life in the cities of Glasgow and Belfast.

This match not only marks the rivalry between the two teams in the Scottish Premiership but also reflects the fusion of cultural, religious, and social elements. Historically, Rangers have been associated with the Protestant community and the working class, while Celtic has close ties to the Catholic community and Celtic ethnic groups. Matches between Celtic and Rangers are often tense, and incidents outside the field have influenced the atmosphere of the match. This makes each encounter a unique and unforgettable experience, not only for football fans but also for a broader community.

7. Boca vs River Plate

The “Superclasico” match between Boca Juniors and River Plate, also known as the Superclásico, is one of the most significant events in Argentine football and even in South America. Starting with the name Clásico de la Dársena and progressing further as Clásico de los Clásicos, fans have bestowed upon this match the name Superclásico to signify the class and allure it brings.

Renowned for its intensity and drama, the Superclásico is not just a showdown between two major football clubs but also a collision of two icons with many ups and downs in Argentine football history. Boca Juniors and River Plate are two clubs with the largest fan bases in the country, and whenever they clash, the field becomes electrified with passion from both sides.

With over 250 matches played, Boca Juniors still holds the advantage with 91 victories, 83 draws, and 84 losses. These matches are not merely contests between two teams but also an integral part of Argentine football culture, captivating millions of fans worldwide.

8. Derby Corinthians vs Flamengo

In the vast expanse of Brazil, national football championships began in 1971, following the development of commercial aviation. Before that, teams mainly competed within states, leading to difficulties in defining a national “Clásico” for Brazil.

However, Brazil still has the “El Clásico del Pueblo” between the two teams with the largest fan bases: Corinthians and Flamengo. The representatives of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have faced each other 143 times, with Flamengo winning 59 matches, drawing 30, and losing 54. This match is not only a clash between two teams but also a convergence of passion and love for football from millions of Brazilians.

9. Derby Chivas Guadalajara vs Club America

In Mexico, “El Clásico de Clásicos” or “El Clásico Nacional” is the term used to refer to the match between two long-standing traditional teams, considered the best international football rivals. It is the battle between Chivas de Guadalajara, hailing from a small province, and Club America, representing the capital. The rivalry between the two teams began in the 1950s and 1960s, and since then, they have clashed a total of 246 times.

Looking at the history of their encounters, Club America holds a slight advantage in this race. They have won 90 matches, drawn 79, and lost 77 out of a total of 246 matches. Every time Chivas de Guadalajara and Club America face off, it’s an opportunity to witness drama and tension, making El Clásico de Clásicos one of the most iconic events in Mexican football.

10. Derby Nacional vs Penarol

Adding to the list of memorable international football matches, one cannot overlook the showdown between the giants of the capital, Montevideo: Uruguay – Penarol and Nacional. If CURCC is considered Penarol’s predecessor, then this match can be seen as the oldest derby outside the borders of England, with the first match taking place in 1900.

Through over a century of rivalry, Penarol and Nacional have created one of the grandest clashes in world football history. In total, the two teams have faced each other 501 times, with an astonishingly balanced score: Penarol winning 173, Nacional winning 162, and 166 draws. This is not just a number but a symbol of intense competition and pride for Uruguayan football fans.

Beyond the national borders, this duo frequently meets in international events, with 30 domestic final matches and 38 encounters in the Copa Libertadores, the premier South American club competition. The clashes between Penarol and Nacional are not just tense matches but also significant chapters in Uruguayan football history.

Conclude

Above is a list of the top 10 biggest soccer rivalries, along with the most detailed analysis. The most talented individuals in football are not only those who compete on the pitch but also artists who create heroic works, painting a colorful picture of passion, pride and endless love from millions of fan hearts. Thank you for following our article!

See also: The 10 english football rivalries ranked