Football has witnessed multiple rivalries over the years with some over a century old – but which are the biggest in the world?
These matches possess a deeper feeling, a feeling that no other match can produce. The fight for the badge, the fight for the club and the fight for pride.
Through generations upon generations, these rivalries have lived on and carried the same importance as they did when they first sparked. Whether it be ferocious violence or ambiance elevations in the stadium, rivalries are uncontested in the footballing world.
Winning a rivalry is more than just three points or advancing in a competition, it gives fans bragging rights for being victorious in the battle.
They are fuelled by rich emotion and passion from both the fans and players; the latter understand the demands and importance of winning the clash.
But where do they place? Here are our rankings for the top 20 rivalries in football…
20. Manchester City v Manchester United (Manchester Derby)
This highly-anticipated derby is a passionate affair between the two most successful clubs in Manchester.
City’s recent success has added more competition and importance to the match and the desire to become the best team in Manchester always provides a tasty clash.
19. Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur (North London Derby)
Two of the biggest clubs in London always produce an entertaining spectacle rife with competitive, attacking performances.
The fans have a strong detest with one another and the games often involve high-scoring encounters played at a fast pace.
18. AC Milan v Inter Milan (Derby della Madonnina)
Both city rivals share the same home stadium and when these two meet at the San Siro, fireworks go off.
Winning this clash holds great importance with both sets of fans desparate to stamp their authority on the city and obtain the bragging rights.
17. Liverpool v Everton (Merseyside Derby)
The battle on Merseyside is a fascinating spectacle and both sets of supporters are extremely passionate.
Liverpool inherit the greater success in terms of accolades and achievements, but when this fixture comes around, expect a thrilling encounter.
16. Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund (Der Klassiker)
The biggest rivalry in Germany always produces moments of chaos and madness, usually tightly contested.
Bayern Munich have endured more success that Dortmund over the years and the strong hatred between the two always makes this an explosive match-up.
15. Sunderland v Newcastle United (Tyne-Wear Derby)
This Tyne-Wear derby will let off sparks and surprises every time it is played – and the fans certainly add fuel to the fire.
The overwhelming sense of pride that comes with winning this match elevates the contest into a fascinating watch and is deservedly on this list.
14. Aston Villa v Birmingham City (Second City Derby)
The battle of the blues and the claret and blues is a ferocious affair and the fans tend to clash whenever this fixture is played out.
Whether it be a pitch invader or a clash in the stands, fans exhibit their passion in several ways which adds to the feisty action unfolding on the pitch.
13. Liverpool v Manchester United (North West Derby)
This derby is played between arch-rivals Liverpool and United as two of the most successful clubs in England battle it out in tasty affairs.
This is always an unmissable event and you can feel the tension and importance just from watching at home.
12. West Ham v Millwall (London Derby)
This is a rare meeting these days but when it comes around, wow.
The Hammers and Millwall have a strong hatred towards each other and violence is often at the forefront of the news when these two teams meet. Regardless of the scoreline, police know to be on standby.
11. Ajax v Feyenoord (De Klassieker)
This is a violent-packed fixture where both sets of fans exemplify their passion in uncharacteristic ways.
If you are playing in this match, you do not want to lose and the players’ performances reflect the importance of the clash.
