World football’s 50 greatest derbies ranked

The world’s greatest football derbies have been ranked, with Boca Juniors vs River Plate coming out on top.

Derbies are often the highlight of any fan’s season and some teams often define their success of a season by winning.
Popular football magazine FourFourTwo decided to rank the world’s greatest derbies and see what came out on top.

Their only rule on the list is that teams can only be included once, meaning Manchester United can only have a Manchester City or Liverpool as a ‘mortal enemy’.

Football’s 10 greatest derbies

Boca Juniors vs River Plate

The derby between Boca Juniors and River Plate is much more than just a football match in Argentina. It is a passionate clash between the two rival Buenos Aires clubs, prompting millions of fans across the country to split into two camps. Each edition of the Superclásico is imbued with an electric atmosphere, fierce rivalry and memorable moments. The legendary stadiums of La Bombonera and the Monumental serve as the theatres for this saga, where the history of Argentinian football is written through masterful dribbling, epic goals and unbridled passion, making Boca vs River an event not to be missed.

FC Barcelone vs Real Madrid

The derby between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, known as El Clásico, is a legendary battle between two of the biggest clubs in world football. This Spanish clash evokes intense emotions, moments of genius and a historic rivalry. Stars such as Messi and Ronaldo have written their names into the history of these epic clashes. Camp Nou and Santiago Bernabéu are the theatres of this emblematic rivalry, where millions of fans around the world hang on every dribble, every goal, in a battle that transcends football to become a true cultural battle.

Celtic vs Rangers

The derby between Celtic FC and Rangers FC, known as the Old Firm, is one of the most heated rivalries in British football. Based in Glasgow, Scotland, this duel transcends sport to reflect historical, religious and social rivalries. The matches are intense confrontations between the Protestant supporters of Rangers and the Catholic supporters of Celtic. The passionate chants, colourful tifos and electric atmosphere make the Old Firm a memorable event. This derby symbolises much more than just a football match, it embodies the soul of Glasgow and the passion that drives Scottish football.

Nacional vs Penarol

The derby between Club Nacional de Football and Club Atlético Peñarol, known as the Clásico del fútbol uruguayen, is the pinnacle of rivalry in Uruguayan football. These two Montevideo giants engage in epic duels, captivating the nation with intense emotions. The history of this derby is woven with glorious moments and drama, with each team’s fervent supporters creating an electric atmosphere. The Parque Central and Campeón del Siglo stadiums bear witness to this passionate rivalry, which transcends sport to become a true manifestation of Uruguayan identity and pride.

Lazio vs Roma

The Roman derby between Lazio and AS Roma is much more than just a sporting clash. It’s a duel steeped in passion, historic rivalry and local pride. Each edition of the Derby della Capitale is a breathtaking spectacle in which the Lazio supporters, the biancocelesti, and the Roma supporters, the giallorossi, engage in a memorable vocal and visual battle. The Stadio Olimpico, shared by the two teams, became the epicentre of Roman emotion. Between moments of glory and disappointment, this derby celebrates the richness of Roman football and remains a must-see for fans of the game.

Fenerbahce vs Galatasaray

The derby between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, known as the Kitalar Arası Derbi, is a major confrontation in Turkish football. This Istanbul rivalry transcends the pitch, reflecting the profound differences between the two clubs and their supporters. The Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium and the Türk Telekom Arena serve as stages for epic duels where intensity rivals passion. Between the yellow and blue supporters of Fenerbahçe and the red and yellow fans of Galatasaray, the derby is much more than just a sporting encounter, it’s a moment when the soul of Istanbul comes alive with fiery emotions.

Liverpool vs Manchester United

The derby between Liverpool FC and Manchester United, known as the North West Derby, is one of the most fiercely contested clashes in English football. These historically successful rival giants engage in thrilling duels, capturing the essence of English competition. The iconic Anfield and Old Trafford become theatres where history unfolds. Between the passionate chants of Reds and Red Devils supporters, each edition of the derby is a fierce battle, with moments of glory and disappointment shaping the narrative of English football. It’s much more than just a match, it’s a chapter filled with emotion and rivalry.

Gremio vs Internacional

The Gremio vs Internacional derby, also known as the Grenal, is the beating heart of Brazilian football. The two Porto Alegre clubs, Gremio and Internacional, clash in a fiery rivalry that transcends the sport. The passionate supporters, the Gremistas and the Colorados, paint the Beira-Rio stadium and the Arena do Gremio in the colours of their passion. Grenal matches are marked by spectacular moments, unforgettable goals and dramatic turnarounds. This derby depicts the intensity of Brazilian football, where the pride of both clubs explodes in a merciless battle that captivates the whole country.

Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke

The derby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04, known as the Revierderby, is one of the most exciting clashes in the Bundesliga. This battle of the Ruhr pits two rival clubs from Germany’s industrial region against each other, captivating fans with its intensity and rivalry. Signal Iduna Park and the Veltins-Arena become battlegrounds where regional pride is at stake. The yellow supporters of Borussia and the blue supporters of Schalke create an electric atmosphere. Between moments of jubilation and disappointment, the Revierderby remains a must-see spectacle in German football.

Al Ahly vs Zamalek

The Egyptian derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek is much more than just a football match; it is a confrontation that transcends sport to become a cultural and social battle. These two Cairo clubs, Al Ahly nicknamed the “Red Devils” and Zamalek known as the “White Knights”, engendered an all-consuming passion among their respective supporters. The Cairo stadium becomes the epicentre of this rivalry, with fiery chants, flaming flags and an electric atmosphere. Each edition of the derby is a national event, evoking intense emotions and unforgettable memories for football fans in Egypt.

Pos	Derby
1.	Boca Juniors vs River Plate
2.	Barcelona vs Real Madrid
3.	Celtic vs Rangers
4.	Nacional vs Penarol
5.	Lazio vs Roma
6.	Fenerbahce vs Galatasaray
7.	Liverpool vs Manchester United
8.	Gremio vs Internacional
9.	Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke
10.	Al Ahly vs Zamalek
11	Marseille vs Paris Saint-Germain
12	Chivas Guadalajara vs Club America
13	AC Milan vs Inter Milan
14	Portsmouth vs Southampton
15	Independiente vs Racing Club
16	Ajax vs Feyenoord
17	FK Velez vs HSK Zrinjski (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
18	Flamengo vs Fluminense
19	Olympiakos vs Panathinaikos
20	Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
21	East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan
22	Partizan Belgrade vs Red Star Belgrade
23	Corinthians vs Palmeiras
24	Newcastle United vs Sunderland
25	Real Betis vs Sevilla
26	Raja vs Wydad
27	Hajduk Split vs Dinamo Zagreb
28	Benfica vs Sporting
29	Colo-Colo vs Universidad de Chile
30	Bobby Moore
31	Rivelino
32	Andres Iniesta
33	Rummunige
34	Luis Suarez (ESP)
35	Xavi Hernandez
36	Johan Neeskens
37	Gianluigi Buffon
38	Hristo Stoichkov
39	Kevin Keegan
40	Sir Stanley Matthews
41	Gunnar Nordahi
42	Lev Yashin
43	Kaka
44	George Weah
45	Kylian Mbappe
46	Paul Breitner
47	Paolo Rossi
48	Omar Sivori
49	Jairzinho
50	John Charles