Ask any soccer fan what match they’re most excited for in a season, and chances are they’ll say a rivalry game! While the most infamous player clashes like Messi vs Ronaldo have gone down in history, the real passion comes from club vs club rivalries. Some rivalries began over something as petty as local neighbors clashing over bragging rights, while others have been fueled by century-old battles related to culture and politics. At their best, a great rivalry can turn an ordinary match into something memorable. But at their worst, some of the world’s most passionate derbies have resulted in acts of violence or discrimination. Whether it’s Barcelona vs Real Madrid in Spain or Manchester United vs Liverpool in England, these clashes connect clubs to their communities and keep fans invested year after year. Let’s break down some of the most famous soccer rivals in history and what makes them so memorable!

1.   El Clásico (Real Madrid vs Barcelona) – Spain

Arguably, the biggest rivalry in the world of football (or soccer as we call it), is known as "The Classic" (El Clásico in Spanish). It’s known as the crown jewel of Spanish football, pitting two powerhouse clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, against each other. The rivalry started in the early 1920s during the time of the Spanish Civil War and is the result of a cultural and political clash between Catalonia and the rest of Spain. Barcelona represents Catalonia, a region with its own language, culture, and history of fighting for independence from Spain. While Real Madrid has been long associated with Spanish centralism. Both clubs have dominated Spanish and European soccer, and the iconic Messi vs Ronaldo era added even more passion to the feud.

2.   The Old Firm (Celtic vs Rangers) – Scotland

There are few rivals that are as intense and historic as the Old Firm in Glasgow. Celtic and Rangers are Scotland’s most successful soccer clubs, but their rivalry is about so much more than the beautiful game. Celtic has Irish Catholic roots, while Rangers are historically linked to the Protestant community. Celtic were founded on the promise that the team and organization would give back to a poverty-stricken Irish Catholic population in the city, while Rangers have often welcomed fans with anti-Catholic beliefs. Other monumental events like World War I and the Easter Rising contributed to Rangers becoming known as the club of Scottish establishment while Celtic was associated with their Irish Catholic identity. These disagreements lead to over a century of intense sporting rivalry and a community of passionate fans. Together, the clubs have won more than 100 league titles, and since 1985, no other Scottish club has managed to claim the championship!

3.   The Manchester Derby (Manchester United vs Manchester City) – England

Another rivalry that’s known around the world is between two of the most successful clubs in English football, that also happen to be neighbors, only separated by less than five miles. Over the years, the rivalry has only gotten stronger with Manchester City shifting the balance of power dramatically and challenging United more than ever before. Manchester United was the stronger club for a time, dominating the 20th century, while Manchester City was a ‘sleeping giant’ for decades. Matches now often determine league titles or Champions league qualification, making this rivalry even more competitive in the present day. Notable matches include the 2018-19 Premier League match, won by Manchester United 2-0, and the 2012 Premier League match, won by Manchester City 6-1!

4.   The Northwest Derby (Manchester United vs Liverpool) – England

Arguably the greatest rivalry in English football is known as the Northwest Derby, one of the most watched games in the calendar year. It all started in the 19th century, when Manchester and Liverpool were key players in Britain’s industrial and economic development. Liverpool was a major port city that thrived off international trade, while Manchester was the world’s first industrialized city and relied on Liverpool for the export of its goods. The rivalry was the fiercest in 1894 when Manchester built the Manchester Ship Canal, resulting in a significant blow to Liverpool’s economy. The rivalry ended up being carried onto the pitch as both clubs began to make a name for themselves. Liverpool dominated soccer in the 70s and 80s, while United famously beat their league title record in their Sir Alex Ferguson era. To this day, it’s a battle of two northern cities fighting for bragging rights!

5.   Derby della Madonnina (AC Milan vs Inter Milan) – Italy

In Milan, loyalty is divided between red and black, otherwise known as AC Milan, and blue and black, representing Inter Milan. Known famously as the Derby della Madonnina, named after the statue of the Virgin Mary on top of Milan’s cathedral, this rivalry dates back over a century and divides the city of Milan. If we look back at the historical significance that fuels this long-running feud, Inter was seen as representing the city’s working class Interisti, while AC Milan represented the bourgeois Milanisti. Both clubs have had success on both domestic and European scales, but their rivalry stands for so much more than local pride and trophies.

6.   Tyne-Wear Derby (Newcastle United vs Sunderland) – England

You might be wondering just how many famous rivalries England has, and we’ve been asking ourselves the same question! Last but not least is the fiercely contested rivalry between English football clubs Newcastle United FC and Sunderland AFC. The history of the Tyne–Wear derby dates back to the English Civil War when Sunderland became a Parliamentarian stronghold. On the soccer field, the first meeting between the two cities that are separated by only 12 miles took place on Christmas Eve in 1898, when the Black Cats edged out the Magpies 3-2 in Division One. Since that day, the Tyne-Wear derby has been known for providing a spectacle of passion and red cards!

At the end of the day, soccer rivalries stand for so much more than trophies and status on the field. They represent identity, tradition, and pride and will continue to captivate the world for generations to come. From Spain to Scotland or Italy to England, rivalries are rooted in history and culture and remind us why soccer is known as the beautiful game! Which side are you on? Check out our wide selection of club merch and memorabilia at SoccerCards.ca.