PSG Welcomes Local Contenders Paris FC in Intense Soccer Rivalry
PSG and Paris FC: A Unique Rivalry in French Football
New Neighbors in Stade Jean-Bouin
The reigning Ligue 1 champions, Paris Saint-Germain, welcomed a new neighbor this summer as Paris FC moved to the Stade Jean-Bouin, located directly adjacent to the Parc des Princes. The Stade Jean-Bouin serves as the home for the Stade Francais rugby union team, which entered into a ground-sharing agreement with Paris FC that is set to last until at least 2029. This move coincided with Paris FC’s promotion to the top tier of French football after finishing the previous season in Ligue 2.
Close Proximity of Two Clubs
The two Parisian teams now play in stadiums just across the street from each other, with their home games separated only by Rue Claude Farrere. Paris FC previously played at Stade Sebastien Charlety but relocated about five miles west of the city center to their new home. The two clubs are scheduled to meet for the first time as neighbors on January 4, when PSG will host Paris FC in a league match, with a subsequent matchup in the Coupe de France set for January 12.
This development has made PSG and Paris FC two of the closest clubs in the football world. But how do they rank among the sport’s nearest neighbors globally?
Ranking the Closest Stadium Rivalries
To explore this unique aspect of football, we have compiled a list of the nearest neighboring clubs worldwide, considering rivalries where at least one team is playing in their country’s top division while excluding stadiums shared by multiple teams.
Closest Stadiums in Football
10. Liverpool (Anfield) to Everton (Hill Dickinson Stadium): 1.77 miles
The historic rivalry between Liverpool and Everton now sees the two teams separated by a distance of 1.77 miles, following Everton’s move to Hill Dickinson Stadium last summer.
9. Chelsea (Stamford Bridge) to Fulham (Craven Cottage): 1.4 miles
These two west London clubs are situated just 1.4 miles apart in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, making it an easy trip for fans.
8. PAOK (Toumba Stadium) to Iraklis (Kaftanzoglio Stadium): 0.8 miles
In Thessaloniki, PAOK’s Toumba Stadium and their city rivals, Iraklis, at Kaftanzoglio Stadium, are just a short walk from one another.
7. Slovan Bratislava (Tehelné Pole) to FK Inter Bratislava (Pasienky Stadium): 0.32 miles
The Tehelné Pole stadium, home to Slovan Bratislava, is located a mere stone’s throw from Pasienky Stadium, which hosts FK Inter Bratislava.
6. Nottingham Forest (The City Ground) to Notts County (Meadow Lane): 0.25 miles
Separated only by the River Trent, these two Nottingham teams are recognized as the closest senior grounds in English football.
5. Independiente (Estadio Libertadores de América) to Racing Club (El Cilindro): 0.22 miles
The fierce rivalry between these Argentinian clubs sees them located just a few streets apart, making their matches highly anticipated.
4. Dundee United (Tannadice) to Dundee (Dens Park): 0.17 miles
With just a residential street separating them, these two teams from Dundee hold the distinction of being the closest professional football grounds in the U.K.
4. Malmö FF (Eleda Stadion) to IFK Malmö (Malmö Stadion): 0.17 miles
In Sweden, both Malmö FF and IFK Malmö reside in close proximity, adding spice to their local rivalry.
2. F.C. København (Parken Stadium) to Boldklubben af 1893 (Østerbro Stadium): 0.13 miles
In Denmark, Parken Stadium and Østerbro Stadium sit just 0.13 miles apart, making them neighbors in the city of Copenhagen.
1. Paris Saint-Germain (Parc des Princes) to Paris FC (Stade Jean-Bouin): 0.12 miles
With only Rue Claude Farrere separating the two venues, PSG and Paris FC boast the closest rivalry in world football. These teams are slated to face off in a crucial match on the final day of the Ligue 1 season, potentially impacting title standings and relegation battles.
This unique setting and proximity between Paris Saint-Germain and Paris FC highlight the growing intensity of rivalry in the heart of Parisian football, ensuring that fans have a lot to look forward to this season.