10 fiercest rivalries in world football [ranked]
From historic grudges to full-blown social and political divides, these football rivalries go far beyond the pitch. Here are the ten most intense derbies from around the world, counting down to the fiercest of them all.
10. AC Milan vs Inter Milan (Italy)
The Derby della Madonnina sees two giants share one historic stadium—the San Siro—yet the divide runs deep. With 19 league titles each, AC Milan and Inter have long battled for dominance in both Serie A and Europe. Although Inter have been stronger in recent years, Milan’s seven Champions League titles keep them in elite company.
9. Flamengo vs Fluminense (Brazil)
Known as the 'Fla-Flu' derby, this Rio de Janeiro showdown is one of Brazil’s most iconic rivalries. In 1963, it drew a record-breaking crowd of over 194,000 at the Maracana. Despite relatively low levels of violence, the passion and history between these two clubs make it one of South America's greatest matchups.
8. Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce (Turkey)
The ‘Intercontinental Derby’ between Istanbul’s most successful clubs has been heated since 1909. Graeme Souness famously intensified tensions in 1996 when he planted a Galatasaray flag in Fenerbahce’s pitch, sparking a riot. Off-field animosity and fan clashes are a regular part of this fierce Turkish fixture.
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7. Lazio vs Roma (Italy)
Rome’s ‘Derby della Capitale’ is as bitter as they come. Played at the shared Stadio Olimpico, this local feud is marked by political and social undertones. The rivalry turned ugly in 2004 when crowd violence forced a match to be abandoned, highlighting just how personal this clash has become.
6. Nacional vs Penarol (Uruguay)
Uruguay’s Clasico features the country’s two dominant teams, who’ve claimed 99 of 119 national titles between them. Fans create stunning visual displays with flares, giant flags, and full-stadium choreography. This rivalry, dating back over a century, is among the fiercest in South America.
5. Al Ahly vs Zamalek (Egypt)
Cairo’s two powerhouse clubs have a rivalry that splits the city in two. With Al Ahly boasting 121 trophies—the most of any club in the world—Zamalek often play the role of the determined underdog. Their clashes regularly draw half the country’s population in TV viewership and have even halted entire seasons due to fan violence.
4. Partizan Belgrade vs Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)
The ‘Eternal Derby’ is Serbia’s most combustible fixture, fuelled by political and cultural differences. Since both clubs were founded in 1945, the rivalry has only grown, often erupting in violence. The passion of the fans and ferocity on the pitch make it one of Europe’s most volatile encounters.
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3. Barcelona vs Real Madrid (Spain)
El Clasico is the jewel of Spanish football, rooted in political rivalry dating back to the Civil War. Every meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid feels historic, with countless titles and moments of drama. In 2002, Luis Figo was met with a pig’s head after switching sides, underlining the depth of the animosity.
2. Celtic vs Rangers (Scotland)
The ‘Old Firm’ is more than a football match—it’s a clash of identities. Religious, political, and social divisions fuel this Glasgow derby, which has existed since 1888. Together, the two clubs have claimed over 100 league titles, but it’s the off-pitch meaning that makes this fixture truly explosive.
1. Boca Juniors vs River Plate (Argentina)
The ‘Superclasico’ stands alone as world football’s fiercest rivalry. Representing opposite ends of Buenos Aires society, Boca and River’s clashes are filled with noise, colour, and chaos. In 2018, their Copa Libertadores final had to be moved to Madrid after River fans attacked Boca’s team bus—proof that no rivalry runs deeper.
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