Soccer, recognized as the most beloved sport globally, inspires intense rivalries fueled by passionate fanbases and rich histories. These competitions often lead to unforgettable moments that resonate deeply with supporters. Below is a summary of some of the most significant rivalry matches in men’s international soccer.
El Clásico – Real Madrid vs. Barcelona (LaLiga)
- Series Record: Real Madrid 106 – 52 – 104 (W-D-L);
- First Encounter: May 13, 1902; Barcelona emerged victorious 3-1;
- Latest Match: October 26, 2025; Real Madrid won 2-1;
- Current Unbeaten Streak: Real Madrid, one (2025-present).
This rivalry, known as “The Classic,” signifies the fierce competition between Barcelona and Real Madrid. It has evolved into a monumental global event since its inception in 1902, fueled by underlying political narratives. Barcelona, established in 1899, stands as a symbol of Catalan independence, while the 1902-founded Real Madrid embodies Spanish nationalism. The rivalry features iconic players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, enhancing its appeal.
Manchester Derby – Manchester City vs. Manchester United (Premier League)
- Series Record: Manchester United 80 – 55 – 62;
- First Match: October 3, 1891; Manchester United won 5-1;
- Most Recent Game: September 14, 2025; Manchester City claimed a 3-0 win;
- Current Unbeaten Streak: Manchester City, one (2025-present).
The Manchester Derby showcases the rivalry between two of England’s most successful clubs, separated by less than five miles. With Manchester City recently rising to prominence, the historical dominance of Manchester United in the 1990s remains a point of contention for local fans.
North West Rivalry – Manchester United vs. Liverpool (Premier League)
- Series Record: Manchester United 84 – 62 – 72;
- First Meeting: April 28, 1894; Liverpool won 2-0;
- Latest Encounter: October 19, 2025; Manchester United won 2-1;
- Current Unbeaten Streak: Manchester United, one (2025-present).
While the Manchester Derby is intense, the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is even fiercer. Located just 35 miles apart in North West England, these two clubs have amassed 39 English titles combined, further intensifying their rivalry.
Der Klassiker – Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)
- Series Record: Bayern Munich 70 – 32 – 35;
- First Encounter: October 16, 1965; Borussia Dortmund won 2-0;
- Latest Match: October 18, 2025; Bayern Munich won 2-1;
- Current Unbeaten Streak: Bayern Munich, one (2025-present).
Known as Der Klassiker, this match is the most frequently played fixture in the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich has inflicted more defeats on Borussia Dortmund than any other club. After breaking an 11-match winless streak in March 2024, Borussia continues to compete fervently against Bayern.
Derby della Madonnina – AC Milan vs. Inter Milan (Serie A)
- Series Record: Inter Milan 91 – 71 – 82;
- First Match: January 10, 1909; AC Milan won 3-2;
- Latest Encounter: April 23, 2025; AC Milan won 3-0;
- Current Unbeaten Streak: AC Milan, five (2024-present).
The rivalry between AC Milan and Inter Milan traces its roots back to a split in 1908 that led to Inter’s formation. Both clubs are giants in Italian soccer with a rich history of success, as they vie for dominance in Serie A.
Le Classique – Paris Saint-Germain vs. Marseille (Ligue 1)
- Series Record: Paris Saint-Germain 53 – 21 – 36;
- First Encounter: December 12, 1971; Marseille won 4-2;
- Most Recent Meeting: September 22, 2025; Marseille won 1-0;
- Current Unbeaten Streak: Marseille, one (2025-present).
The rivalry between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille, known as “The Classic,” features substantial historical tension. The two clubs are the only French teams to have achieved significant success in European competitions. The rivalry has sometimes spilled over into violence, making their matches highly charged events.
El Súper Clásico – Club América vs. Guadalajara (Liga MX)
- Series Record: Club América 82 – 70 – 69;
- First Meeting: July 29, 1943; Guadalajara won 1-0;
- Latest Game: September 13, 2025; Guadalajara won 2-1;
- Current Unbeaten Streak: Guadalajara, one (2025-present).
The foremost rivalry in Mexican football pits Club América against Chivas Guadalajara. This competition intensified in the late 1950s after a provocative statement from the América coach, and the ensuing matches have become a significant part of Liga MX history.
Derby Paulista – Corinthians vs. Palmeiras (Brazilian Serie A)
- Series Record: Palmeiras 136 – 118 – 133;
- First Match: May 6, 1917; Palmeiras won 3-0;
- Latest Encounter: August 31, 2025; the match ended in a 1-1 draw;
- Current Unbeaten Streak: Corinthians, three (2025-present).
Corinthians and Palmeiras have a long-standing rivalry in Brazilian football dating back over a century. Palmeiras, historically the most successful club in Serie A, faces fierce competition from Corinthians, who have also carved out a diverse trophy cabinet.
Superclásico – Boca Juniors vs. River Plate (Primera División)
- Series Record: Boca Juniors 92 – 84 – 88;
- First Encounter: August 24, 1913; River Plate won 2-1;
- Latest Match: April 27, 2025; River Plate took the win 2-1;
- Current Unbeaten Streak: River Plate, two (2024-present).
The Superclásico is one of the most historic and intense rivalries in soccer, showcasing Boca Juniors and River Plate, the two leading clubs in Argentina. Their matches are marked by both excitement and sorrow, including incidents that have marred their storied history.
Old Firm Derby – Rangers vs. Celtic (Scottish Premiership)
- Series Record: Rangers 171 – 105 – 169;
- First Encounter: May 28, 1888; Celtic won 5-2;
- Latest Match: May 4, 2025; the match ended in a 1-1 draw;
- Current Unbeaten Streak: Rangers, three (2025-present).
The Old Firm derby epitomizes the competition between the two major Scottish clubs, Rangers and Celtic, representing deep cultural and social divides in Glasgow. Both clubs have extensive histories and successes, making their rivalry deeply rooted in the city.
De Klassieker – Ajax vs. Feyenoord (Eredivisie)
- Series Record: Ajax 95 – 49 – 63;
- First Encounter: October 9, 1921; the match ended in a 2-2 draw;
- Latest Match: February 2, 2025; Ajax won 2-1;
- Current Unbeaten Streak: Ajax, two (2024-present).
In the Netherlands, Ajax and Feyenoord represent a classic confrontation that reflects the cultural identities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. This rivalry, known as De Klassieker, is steeped in history, rivaling the pride of both cities.
El Tráfico – LA Galaxy vs. LAFC (MLS)
- Series Record: Galaxy 10 – 7 – 9;
- First Match: March 31, 2018; Galaxy won 4-3;
- Latest Encounter: July 19, 2025; the match ended in a 3-3 draw;
- Current Unbeaten Streak: Galaxy, three (2024-present).
Since LAFC joined Major League Soccer in 2018, the rivalry with LA Galaxy has become a standout fixture in American soccer. From high-scoring encounters to record-breaking attendance at the Rose Bowl, El Tráfico delivers excitement and intensity unmatched in the league.