The great derbies of world football: history and rivalries

Regarded as one of the greatest football spectacles in Argentina and, for many, in the whole of South America, the Superclásico pits two of the continent’s most important clubs against each other: Boca Juniors and River Plate. Titles, football legends, die-hard fans and a unique atmosphere make this match an experience that any footballer dreams of being part of. A prime example of this is Daniele De Rossi, the legendary AS Roma player, who decided to bring his career to a close whilst wearing the Boca Juniors jersey. But this rivalry goes far beyond football. Traditionally, River Plate has been associated with the wealthier sections of Buenos Aires, hence the nickname ‘Millonarios’. For its part, Boca Juniors has maintained strong ties with the city’s working-class neighbourhoods, and its supporters are known as the Xeneizes.

Known as Scotland’s great derby, the Old Firm pits the country’s two most successful clubs against one another, the protagonists of one of the most intense rivalries in world football. Its origins go beyond sport and are deeply linked to the religious, political and cultural differences that have shaped Glasgow’s history for decades. Traditionally, Celtic has been associated with the Catholic and Irish-descended communities, whilst Rangers has been identified with the Protestant and unionist communities. This historic rivalry spills over onto the pitch and into the stands, resulting in matches of immense tension which, on occasions, have also been marred by incidents between the two sets of supporters. It is precisely because of this social and historical context that the Old Firm is regarded as one of the most fiercely contested derbies in world football.

El Clásico between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid is LaLiga’s most iconic fixture and one of the most important matches in world football. Every match captures the attention of millions of fans, making it one of the most-watched sporting events both in Spain and worldwide. But this rivalry extends far beyond the pitch. It pits not only the two most successful and high-profile clubs in Spanish football against each other, but also two institutions that for decades have been at the forefront of the struggle for supremacy in Spain, Europe and the rest of the world. In addition to the sporting aspect, El Clásico has always been steeped in significant political and cultural context. Traditionally, Real Madrid has been associated with the monarchy and a more centralist vision of Spain, whilst FC Barcelona has become a symbol of Catalan identity and Catalonia’s aspirations for greater autonomy. As with the other derbies on this list, this is a contest characterised by a high degree of parity, which has helped to make it one of the greatest rivalries in world football.