Sports’ Biggest Rivalries To Date 

Why do two teams go head-to-head against each other in bitter rivalry? Why are the players and fans more passionate about rival games than other games? When it comes to sports rivalries, it doesn’t matter how much your team is worth, the quality of players or the odds put up; anything can happen. 

These rivalries can grow from little banter thrown amongst fans and players to violence, riots, and even fatal consequences. Sports rivalries spread across the globe, from America, across Europe, on to Africa and Even Australia. But among all these, sports’ biggest rivalries to date that pull the most crowds are listed below.  

• Ronaldo-Messi Rivalry. 

The Ronaldo vs. Messi rivalry started when Ronaldo moved to Spanish giants Real Madrid, with Messi playing for their rivals Barcelona. Fueled by the team’s rivalry, the two players go head to head each time they play each other, which always results in post-game arguments on ‘who is better.’ The two often clash during El Clasico games with both trying to prove who’s the real king of football. 

Plus, the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual football award, has also fueled the rivalry, an award Messi has won six times and Ronaldo five. With both players being able to carry their respective teams on their backs, they have been able to maintain the status of ‘game changers’ both in the world of football and sports betting, whether that be at the bookies or online at Infogol.  

• El Clasico. 

Real Madrid and Barcelona have been the most dominant teams in the Spanish league, with so much success locally and in Europe. These two clubs also have a habit of attracting top-quality players, which also fuels their rivalry. In 2000, a Barcelona player Luis Figo made a surprising and controversial move to their bitter rival, Real Madrid; the transfer cost 65 million Euros and made him one of the most hated players of his time. 

The rivalry between these two cities goes beyond the pitch as they also clash in terms of cultural identity with Barcelona being at the epicenter of the Catalan region and Real Madrid being strongly linked with a royal family.  

• SS. Lazio versus AS Roma. 

If you’re looking for a rivalry that runs deeper than football, it’s these two teams. They gather large crowds, but the fans bring the heat to an already steamy battle. The Derby Della Capitale sees these two fight it out on the ‘stage’ with the crowd hungry to see the final whistle’s results. 

It all started when Benito Mussolini (former fascist warlord) formed several ‘super-club’ teams that would rise to be Italy’s best and dominated on the global scene. Lazio wasn’t buying the narrative, so now the fans bring fascist banners to games and goad on AS Roma. It rarely ends well, of course.   

• Inter versus Milan. 

Italy brought the world to its knees with this age-long football rivalry between Inter and Milan. Since 1908, these teams have had it out for each other, with crowds of fans at each side cheering their team to victory (or defeat as the case may be). 

The Derby Della Madonnina brings these two teams together twice a year. Plus, the San Siro stadium they both call home intensifies the matches even more. Sports betting has never been so thrilling when these teams are playing against each other.  

• Manchester United Versus Liverpool. 

With both teams hailing from North-West England, Manchester United Vs. Liverpool rivalry is one of the biggest in English football. Not only are they two of the biggest clubs in England, but they have also dominated the charts for the past four decades. The venom of rivalry isn’t just between the two clubs; the players have had their fair share of in-field fights as well. 

Plus, it’s never a good idea to have Manchester United and Liverpool fans in the same place; that’s a brawl waiting to happen. The Red Devils do have the edge over Liverpool when it comes to their Premier League wins, but Liverpool has more bragging rights with Champion League trophies.