Nothing excites, divides, frustrates and ignites the passions of fans more than intense rivalries in sports.
Whether based on geographical location, religious persuasion, a personal dislike for each other or just two clubs that have enjoyed success, throughout sports history there have been some major sports rivalries.
However, some traditional rivals are just that little bit more pronounced than others.
And since we’ve already unpacked Australian sport’s best rivalries, it’s time to go global.
Here are the 10 biggest rivalries in world sport
In this list, we’ll showcase ten that always get the fans going.
In an attempt to find the greatest rivalry in sport, this list examined all codes.
We’ve taken into account how many times the participants played, the fan’s excitement in the build-up to their tussles and of course the degree to which bragging rights are extended after the match.
10. Chris Evert vs Martina Navratilova
The tennis rivalry between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova in the 1970s and 1980s is arguably the greatest in tennis history.
With contrasting playing styles, they contested 80 times, pushing each other to the limits. Evert’s baseline finesse versus Navratilova’s attacking game created a compelling and enduring rivalry.
Navratilova led the overall head-to-head 43–37 and 36–24 in finals.
More recently, the pair joined forces and fought cancer together; it’s now hard to put into words the connection and bond the pair share, given all their on-court history.
9. Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines
The Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines rivalry, often called ‘The Game’, is one of the most divisive in college football history.
It’s a fierce contest between the two schools in the Big Ten Conference that dates back to 1897.
The annual match garners national attention, with both fan bases passionate and dedicated. It’s not just a game; it’s a cultural event in the Midwest – especially Ohio St – defining college football for generations and normally having championship implications.
8. Oxford vs Cambridge
The Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race is a historic and prestigious competition in rowing that dates back to 1829 and is always intensely competitive.
It features rowing teams from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, who compete annually on the River Thames. The event symbolises academic excellence and sporting prowess, drawing a global audience to watch the event.
One of the biggest of all college rivalries, it is known for its intense competition and long-standing tradition, reflecting the centuries-old academic rivalry between the two prestigious British universities.
7. Army vs Navy
The Army vs Navy rivalry is among the most cherished traditions in American college sports. Dating back to 1890, it culminates in one of college football’s most anticipated games.
The rivalry extends beyond the gridiron, reflecting the competitive spirit and camaraderie of the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) and the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis). The college football game holds special significance, as it pits future military leaders against each other, fostering a sense of patriotism and unity among all who participate and watch.
6. Real Madrid vs Barcelona
The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, two of the four winningest teams in La Liga, is one of the most fierce and globally recognised football rivalries.
Originating in the early 20th century and known as El Clásico, it embodies the historical, cultural, and political tensions between Catalonia and the Spanish capital. The matches are high-stakes events, featuring some of the game’s biggest talents that have come close to starting a Spanish civil war!
Every El Clásico captures the attention of millions worldwide, making it one of the most prestigious and heated rivalries in the footballing world.
5. Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees
The rivalry between the dominant forces of the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees is one of the fiercest in baseball.
Dating back over a century, it’s marked by passionate fan bases, dramatic matchups, and a historic competition for American League supremacy and the pursuit of the world series national championship.
The rivalry’s intensity is fueled by the contrasting cultures of the two cities. Red Sox vs Yankees games – often referred to as the ‘Yankee-Red Sox rivalry’ – are among the most anticipated regular season games of all teams played.
But the most famed aspect of the rivalry is the ‘Curse of the Bambino‘; Boston’s 86-year title drought after owner Harry Frazee sold none other than Babe Ruth to the Yankees… and most of us know how that turned out. Ruth was at the Yankees for 14 years — and is arguably the greatest MLB player of all time.
4. India vs Pakistan
The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the most intense and historic in sport. Dating back to 1952, it’s marked by political tensions, fervent nationalism, and unmatched passion by their sports fans.
Matches between these neighbouring nations evoke enormous excitement, with hundreds of millions of fans glued to their screens. The contests, especially in ICC tournaments like the World Cup, are pressure-packed spectacles.
3. Joe Frazier vs Muhammad Ali
Few rivalries in sports between two individuals could match that of Ali and Frazier.
One of the most iconic in boxing history – it’s fair to say the two legendary fighters did not like each other.
Their great rivalry reached its zenith with their ‘Fight of the Century’ in 1971 when Frazier handed Ali his first professional defeat. The famous ‘Thrilla in Manila’ – their third fight – in 1975, was arguably the greatest fight ever.
Their feud was based on personalities and principles, with Ali exuding brash confidence and Frazier, quiet determination.
2. Celtic vs Rangers
The Celtic vs. Rangers football rivalry, known as the Old Firm, is one of the most intense and longstanding in world football.
These Scottish Premier League teams, based in Glasgow, have been fierce adversaries for over a century. The rivalry goes beyond sport, with historical, religious, and social dimensions. Celtic traditionally represents the Catholic community, while Rangers symbolise the Protestant side, adding a complex layer to the matches.
The fierce competition, passionate Celtic and Rangers fans, and the significance of the games in Scotland make Celtic vs Rangers fixtures some of the most highly anticipated and emotionally charged events in the game – often resulting in football hooliganism.
1. England vs Australia (Ashes)
The most intense rivalry in sport has to be between England and Australia in the Ashes. These two teams have been battling for this symbolic trophy, roughly every two years since 1882.
The term ‘Ashes’ originated from a mock obituary in The Sporting Times, stating that English cricket had died, and ‘the body will be cremated, and the ashes taken to Australia’ after defeat for the first time against the Aussies on home soil.
The rivalry is alive and well, too, after a wild 2023 series that pushes the top five all time — a list we’ve also put together.
The series is always fiercely contested, marked by intense national pride and a historical grudge. Both teams have enjoyed periods of dominance, creating a captivating ebb and flow of competition. The urn, said to contain the ashes of English cricket, symbolises the enduring rivalry.
Conclusion
Whether it be between two teams or players, there is nothing quite like a heated rivalry in sports.
Usually, they involve the build-up to huge games, as much passion as is humanly possible, often a bit of trash talking, and always hard-fought competition. And that is exactly what makes watching a heated rivalry in sport so compelling!
What’s your favourite rivalry in sport? Leave a comment below.
One Response
Ohio State has intense rivalries, most notably with the University of Michigan Wolverines. The annual Ohio State-Michigan game, known as “The Game,” is one of the most famous and heated rivalries in college football.