The Biggest Derbies in Football

Over many years of football history, certain rivalries between clubs have developed into special fixtures that attract fans from around the world. These encounters are known as derbies. Here we look at ten of the most important and popular examples.

What is a football derby?

Many fans believe the term simply refers to an intense rivalry between two teams in the same league, but that is not entirely accurate. A football derby generally involves clubs from the same city, region or at least country. In other words, these matches often determine which club can claim to be the leading team in a particular area.

The greatest derbies in football

Below are ten of the most memorable football rivalries, involving clubs from different corners of the world.

AC Milan – Inter Milan

The Milan derby, known as the "Derby della Madonnina", is often seen as a historic clash of social classes. Traditionally, supporters of Inter were associated with the city's bourgeoisie, while AC Milan was considered a working-class club. This distinction was even reflected in stories about how fans travelled to the stadium: Inter supporters arrived on motorcycles, while Milan fans used public transport.

Today, of course, the distinction is much less clear. The class divide has largely faded, and people from all walks of life support both clubs. Nevertheless, the rivalry remains as strong as ever, fuelled by the shifting fortunes of the two teams. Another distinctive feature of the Milan derby is that it is one of the few major football rivalries always played at the same stadium. Both Inter and Milan call San Siro (or Giuseppe Meazza, if you prefer) home, sharing the ground throughout the season and meeting there as opponents on derby day.

Lazio – Roma

Another famous Italian derby, the "Derby della Capitale", takes place in Rome between Lazio and Roma. Remarkably, these two celebrated clubs have won only five Italian top-flight titles between them, meaning their head-to-head meetings rarely decide the Serie A championship. Instead, the derby is a matter of local pride. The winners can boast about their triumph until the next encounter.

It could be argued that the limited significance of the result in the national title race makes the fixture even more intense, as both clubs are desperate to prove they are the capital's best team.

Spartak Moscow – CSKA Moscow

When it comes to deep-rooted differences beyond sport, few derbies in Russian football stand out more than matches between CSKA Moscow and their city rivals Spartak Moscow. The rivalry is intensified by the fact that the clubs have historically represented different institutions.

Spartak emerged from the trade-union sports movement, while CSKA stands for Central Sports Club of the Army. In other words, the derby has long symbolised a contest between organisations associated with workers and those associated with the military and state authority.

Galatasaray – Fenerbahçe

The "Intercontinental Derby" may sound like a strange name for a match between two clubs based in the same city, but Istanbul's geography explains it. The city is divided not only by the Bosphorus but also between European and Asian cultural influences. Ironically, this passionate rivalry began with a friendly that Galatasaray won 2:0 against Fenerbahçe. Since then it has been described in many ways, but rarely as friendly.

One incident that perhaps best captures the passion of both sets of supporters took place in the 1995–96 season. Graeme Souness, never known for a particularly calm temperament, was managing Galatasaray when his side reached the Turkish Cup final against Fenerbahçe. To widespread surprise, Galatasaray won the first leg 1:0 at home and secured the trophy after a 1:1 draw away. Fenerbahçe fans had taunted Souness throughout the match, and after the final whistle he responded by planting a Galatasaray flag in the centre of the pitch.

Manchester United – Liverpool

These two clubs are an example of regional rivals. They come from different cities in north-west England, yet many supporters regard their meetings as among the defining fixtures in their clubs' calendars. Both sides have their own local city derbies, but this regional contest often takes centre stage.

The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool has deep historical roots. During the Industrial Revolution, the two cities competed for economic dominance in the region, and that rivalry found another outlet on the football pitch. The original economic tensions have long faded, but the competitive spirit and passionate support remain. Today this is one of the most famous rivalries in world football.

Celtic – Rangers

The rivalry between the two Glasgow clubs is remarkable for its spiritual and cultural differences. Many other factors have also shaped the competition between the teams. Although such divisions have become less prominent in recent times, the animosity between sections of their fan bases has not disappeared. That enduring intensity makes Celtic and Rangers participants in one of British football's most important derbies.

Borussia Dortmund – Schalke 04

The "Ruhr derby" is among the most dramatic rivalries in German football. Both clubs come from the same region but represent different cities. For many years, Schalke held the upper hand. In 1947, however, Borussia Dortmund announced its arrival by defeating its rival 3:2. After the Bundesliga was established, their meetings became more frequent without losing their intensity.

Marseille – Paris Saint-Germain

"Le Classique", the rivalry between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Marseille, is relatively recent compared with many of the continent's historic derbies. The clubs represent two of France's largest cities, one in the north and the other in the south. Their rivalry is often portrayed as a contest between the capital's elite and the working-class identity of the provinces.

It is important to note that "Le Classique" does not have the same deep historical roots as some older rivalries. It truly intensified in the 1980s, when PSG began challenging Marseille's dominance. Previously, the Parisian club had posed little threat, but today their meetings are among the fiercest and most eagerly anticipated fixtures in French football.

Real Madrid – Barcelona

"El Clásico" is the legendary encounter between Barcelona and Real Madrid, two of La Liga's most successful clubs. Their rivalry reflects the fact that they represent two of Spain's largest cities and that both regularly compete for the league championship.

Boca Juniors – River Plate

"Superclásico" is the name given to the rivalry between Argentina's Boca Juniors and River Plate. Passionate supporters fill the stadiums each year with fireworks, flares, confetti, flags and streams of paper. These have become familiar features of the occasion. The spectacle is colourful but can also be dangerous.

The matches are accompanied by relentless chanting, provocation and attempts to unsettle the opposition. British newspaper The Observer included the Superclásico among 50 sporting events to see before you die, reflecting the extraordinary atmosphere generated by both sets of fans.

To make more informed choices on derbies and other important matches, check out our football predictions.