Football is, currently, the uncontested, most popular sport in the world. With close to four billion fans the world over, the sport eclipses all other games. Football can be dated back to the 8th century in England, however, the official first rules for the sport were drafted in 1848 by Cambridge University, and since then the game has developed into the one we watch and love today.
With such a long history, it is understandable that rivalries have developed over the years. But the question we are posing here is, “What are the biggest rivalries in the history of the sport?”
Manchester City – Manchester United
With both clubs hailing from Manchester, it isn’t much of a surprise that a rivalry has developed over the years. In the last couple of Premier Leagues, Manchester City has come out on top, often making it to the number 1 ranking, and winning the League. However, over the history of their entire rivalry, Manchester United have been in the lead.
Often referred to as “The Manchester Derby”, the two teams’ rivalry is a huge draw for fans and punters alike. As both teams are considered fan favorites on betting websites matches between them tend to be exciting and action-packed. Betting websites have largely overtaken land-based bookies in terms of popularity. The reason for this might be that, betting websites also feature a great assortment of gambling games. You can try the latest slots online, play poker, or bet on your football team, all on the same site.
Barcelona FC – Real Madrid FC
Real Madrid and Barcelona are both Spain’s most beloved clubs, so it isn’t much of a surprise that the two clubs have developed a long-term rivalry. The so-called El Clasico is not just one of football’s most bitter rivalries, but one of the most bitter rivalries in the world of sports in general. As of 2022, Real Madrid leads in head-to-head results, however, Barcelona has the edge in exhibition victories.
Both clubs, though, are some of the most successful clubs in football history, and definitely some of the most valuable. Together, they have earned a combined 193 honors, with Barcelona just barely edging out Real Madrid’s 96, with their own 97.
The Derby of Eternal Enemies
If for nothing else, this rivalry deserves to be here for pure dramatic effect. The derby of eternal enemies, also referred to as the Mother of all Battles, is a rivalry between Greece’s most successful football clubs, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. The rivalry is intense, and even surpasses the game of football, taking roots in cultural, social, and regional differences. The rivalry between the two regions doesn’t stop at football either. The basketball and volleyball clubs from the two regions also have a bitter and ongoing rivalry as well.
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As for the football aspect of it, the derby of Eternal enemies is often placed alongside some of the most bitter rivalries in football history. Olympiacos is definitely in the lead, almost doubling the successes of Panathinaikos, with 82 total competitions won to Panathinaikos’ 43. In terms of head-to-head wins, Olympiacos leads as well, with a total of 86 wins to Panathinaikos’ 51.
