Football rivalries have always been an essential part of the sport, and many of them have evolved into some of the most intense and passionate clashes in the world of football. These rivalries go beyond the game and can be fuelled by historical, cultural, and political differences, making them much more than just a contest between two teams.

We explore ten of the biggest and most intense football rivalries worldwide:

Manchester United vs Liverpool

The Manchester United and Liverpool rivalry is one of the biggest in English football, fuelled by their proximity and historical economic competition. Notable matches include Liverpool's 7-0 win and 0-5 loss and their first meeting in the 1977 FA Cup final, where Manchester United won 2-1 over Liverpool. Since 1964, no player has moved directly between the clubs, although some have played for other teams before joining these football giants.

El Clásico

The football rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, known as the El Clásico, is one of the most intense and historic in the world, with over 240 matches played since 1902 in various competitions. Fueled by historical, cultural, and political differences, the two teams have won 18 UEFA Champions League titles and 65 domestic league titles. El Clásico matches are known for their vibrant atmosphere, top-quality football, and legendary players such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stefano, and Johan Cruyff.

AC Milan vs Inter Milan

The Milan Derby, aka the Derby della Madonnina, is one of the biggest football rivalries in Italy, featuring AC Milan and Inter Milan. The derby is named after the statue of the Virgin Mary atop Milan’s cathedral and is known for its passionate fans and high-quality football. Both clubs have a rich history of success in Italy and Europe, making the Milan Derby one of the most highly anticipated matches on the football calendar.

Celtic FC vs Rangers FC

The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers in Glasgow, Scotland's second-largest city, is based on opposing sides in almost every imaginable way. Celtic fans are typically Catholic, Republican, and Socialist, while Rangers fans are Protestant, Loyalist, and Conservative. These differences are emphasised by Celtic fans waving the Irish tricolour while Rangers fans raise the Union Jack. As the two teams dominate Scotland's footballing landscape with 107 league titles between them compared to the 19 won by the rest of Scotland's teams, they play a significant societal role. The first recorded meeting between the teams dates back to 1888, making it one of the planet's oldest derbies and one of the most fiercely contested due to so much more being at stake than just football.

 Olympiacos vs Panathinaikos

The 'Derby of the Eternal Enemies' between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos is known for its fierce competition. Class separation is still a significant factor, with Panathinaikos considered the team of the rich and Olympiacos, the team of the poor. However, supporters from all backgrounds now support both teams. They have played each other over 200 times since 1930 and won almost 80% of all Greek league titles between them. Even when their basketball and volleyball divisions, 'Thrylos' and the 'Greens,' compete, violence and tension between fans are common. This rivalry is well-known as one of the world's most intense, with the BBC calling it 'Europe's maddest derby' in 2014.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

The North London derby is a fiercely contested rivalry between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal just miles apart. Despite their first meeting in 1909, the rivalry only began in earnest in 1913 when Arsenal moved to Highbury, just four miles away from Tottenham Hotspur's pitch.

Marseille vs PSG

The rivalry between Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain, known as 'L'OM' and 'Les Parisiens,' is the most anticipated fixture for their fans despite the Qatari investment giving PSG an advantage. These two clubs are the most successful in France and represent its largest cities, adding fuel to their mutual disdain. The rivalry's history features many classic encounters, including Marseille's 1988/89 1-0 victory that decided the league title. Marseille is the only French team to win the European Cup/Champions League, leading to taunts from PSG. Supporters regularly clash, and on-field tensions spill over, as seen in the 2020 'Battle of Paris' with the most cards given in a Ligue 1 match in the 21st century.

Galatasaray Vs Fenerbahce

The 'Intercontinental Derby' between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce significantly contributes to Turkish fans' reputation for fervorous support. Dating back to 1909, the rivalry almost ended with a proposed merger just four years later. Both 'Fener' and 'Gala' are Turkey's most successful clubs, and their matches have often determined major trophy winners. Violence between supporters is common in the lead-up to games, with the fixture's most iconic moment coming in 1996 when Galatasaray's manager, Graeme Souness, planted a club flag in the middle of the Fenerbahce pitch during the Turkish Cup Final. The incident sparked a massive riot, with Souness later admitting it was not his finest hour.

Ajax vs Feyenoord

The Amsterdam-Rotterdam rivalry has existed since the 13th century and manifested in football through the clashes between Ajax and Feyenoord. Ajax is known as the artist, while Feyenoord hails from a working-class background, creating a clash of cultures and football teams. The hostility between the supporters is such that away fans were banned from travelling to the fixture from 2009 to 2014, and Ajax also prevented their fans from visiting De Kuip for three years until 2017. 'De Godenzonen' has the upper hand, losing only one of their last 14 games against Feyenoord.

Lazio vs Roma

The 'Derby della Capitale' between Roma and Lazio is one of Italy's most intense and bitter football rivalries. Despite both teams playing their home matches at the Stadio Olimpico in the capital city, the derby's unique cultural and political significance sets it apart from other matchups. The two teams have faced each other 178 times since 1929, with Roma winning 18 more matches than Lazio. The derby is known for its passionate supporters who seek bragging rights in Italy's capital city. However, the rivalry has also led to violence and riots, such as the one in 2004 that resulted in the game's abandonment and fights spilling into the surrounding streets. Political and religious differences also play a role in this intense and historic rivalry.