The Greatest Sporting Rivalries In History
We all experience sporting rivalries, whether as a player during our formative years playing on the school team or as a fan watching as our local soccer or basketball team plays against the one from across town. Sporting rivalries can get pretty intense, but which rivalries are considered the greatest? Does your team make the cut? Let's examine some of the greatest rivalries in sporting history.
USA Vs USSR
The United States and Russia have rivalries everywhere, from geopolitics to sports. However, the sporting rivalry between the United States and the then-Soviet Union was never as fierce as at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Destined to come down to these two teams, the United States won the gold medal game 4-3, following Mike Eruzione's game-winning goal in the final period.
Chicago Bears Vs Green Bay Packers
The Chicago Bears and the Wisconsin-based Green Bay Packers are the two oldest teams in continuous operation in the NFL, with a rivalry dating back over 100 years, when the teams first faced off in the 1921 season. The pair have played each other 209 times over the last 103 years, with the Packers having a slight edge in the win-loss category.
Mike Morbeck, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Boston Red Sox Vs New York Yankees
Perhaps the greatest rivalry in professional baseball and American sport is the Boston Red Sox versus New York Yankees. Both teams have competed for over 120 years in the same league and have shared many historic games, and with both teams residing in the northeast, it's become a regional legend. Notably, the Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1919, marking the beginning of "The Curse of the Bambino", as thereafter Boston didn't win a World Series for 86 years.
Ryosuke Yagi, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
India Vs Pakistan
One of the hottest rivalries in cricket is India and Pakistan. Stemming from the political rivalry between the two dating back to 1947, when Pakistan was created out of India during the Partition of India by the British, the cricket rivalry began in 1953, when the Pakistani cricket team toured India as part of a five-match Test series. Since then, the two national teams have shared a heated rivalry over a sport beloved by both peoples.
Pantman2, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Argentina Vs Brazil
The first soccer rivalry on our list is the most storied in South America. The two greatest and most powerful soccer nations in the region (and arguably among the best in the world) have been rivals dating back to the early 20th century. At the 1925 Copa America, the two teams engaged in an on-pitch brawl that spilled into the crowd. In the 1970s, Argentine soccer legends and Brazilian soccer legends were huge rivals for who was the "greatest of all time".
England Vs Ireland
When it comes to rugby, the "Home Nations" of England, Ireland and Wales share a rivalry that's mired in history and politics. In particular, England versus Ireland rugby matches stir the opposing sides into fierce competition and the crowds into songs filled with political fervor.
Eoin Gardiner, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
New Zealand All-Blacks Vs South African Springboks
The All-Blacks and Springboks have been fierce rugby rivals since 1921, when the first match was played—which South Africa won 13-5. Aside from the sporting competition, South African apartheid policy in the 1980s caused such widespread protests in New Zealand when the Springboks visited, that the tour and matches were canceled. The pair did not meet again for 11 years.
Hamish, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Washington Capitals Vs Pittsburgh Penguins
One of hockey's greatest American rivalries lies between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins. It largely stems from the presences of legendary players like Alexander "Ovi" Ovechkin of the Capitals and Sidney Crosby of the Penguins, and the 11 playoffs that the teams have met in. With just 250 miles between them, the Capitals and Penguins dominate the Eastern Conference, while trying to best each other both on and off the ice.
Keith Allison, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
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Arsenal Vs Tottenham
One of the most storied rivalries in English soccer history is between Arsenal FC and Tottenham FC. Both teams reside in North London, England and thus a local rivalry has existed for more than a century. The teams first played each other in 1887, but the rivalry didn't begin until 1913, when Arsenal FC moved their stadium to North London. Even players who move between the two teams receive a bad rep—one was notably called "Judas" by fans after transferring from Tottenham to Arsenal in the late 1990s.
Ronnie Macdonald, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Boston Bruins Vs Montreal Canadiens
The Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens are one of the hottest rivalries in the north-eastern part of North America. Seen as an America versus Canada rivalry, the Bruins and Canadiens are both members of the "Original Six" that formed the NHL and have played each other 940 times, more than any other teams in the league.
Paul Keleher, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Boston Celtics Vs Los Angeles Lakers
In the NBA, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers' rivalry is perhaps best characterized by their multiple playoff meetings—a record 12 times. These playoff runs epitomized the rivalry between the two teams and was particularly evident in the 1980s, when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson played for the Celtics and Lakers respectively, two of the greatest in the game.
Toronto Maple Leafs Vs Montreal Canadiens
Two Canadian teams battling it out in a Canadian-invented game—no typical Canadian apologies made here. As the only east coast teams representing Canada in the NHL, the Leafs and Canadiens have a storied history, dating back to December 6, 1917, when the two first met as members of the "Original Six". They've since met in 16 Stanley Cup Playoffs and five Finals and have attracted some of the best hockey players in history.
Canada Vs Russia
Canada and Russia have an ice hockey rivalry that spans the age groups, from the IIHL World Juniors to the professional men's senior team, beginning with the Summit Series of 1972 between the two teams (back when Russia was the USSR), and continuing throughout the proceeding decades. There was even an on-ice brawl in 1987 at the World Juniors, known as the "Punch-up in Piestany".
s.yume, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Muhammad Ali Vs Joe Frazier
Two of boxing's greatest-ever traded blows in The Fight Of The Century on March 8, 1971. But their rivalry began a decade earlier with trash-talking and each holding the World Heavyweight Championship, before dropping the belts to different people. They faced off in the ring for the first time in 1971—Frazier won after 15 rounds and snapped Ali's undefeated streak of 31 matches.
Tom Brady Vs Peyton Manning
The battle for the best quarterback in NFL history had played out for years between Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts, spanning the breadth of their 18-year and 22-year careers, respectively. Brady versus Manning is arguably one of the greatest individual rivalries in sporting history and the greatest individual rivalry in NFL history. Who's the GOAT? You tell us.
Detroit Red Wings Vs Colorado Avalanche
To say that the rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche was "bitter" would be an understatement. These two teams hate each other. Their rivalry goes back to 1995, but peaked between 1996 and 2002, when the pair met five times in the post-season playoffs, sharing five Stanley Cups. In a March 6, 1997 game, there was major brawl between the two teams, resulting in 18 penalties for fighting, totaling 148 minutes in the sin bin for players from each team.
Bjorn Borg Vs John McEnroe
Of these two, John McEnroe was definitely known as the hotter-headed. Although the Swedish Bjorn Borg was competitive, you can't beat McEnroe shouting and swearing at umpires. In 1980, the pair's rivalry culminated in the final at Wimbledon where fans were treated to a five-set, 18-16 win by Borg after a relentless rally that seemed to last an age. In 1981, when McEnroe beat Borg, the 26-year-old retired from tennis that same day.
Rob Croes for Anefo, Wikimedia Commons
Rafael Nadal Vs Roger Federer
Another legendary between two of the modern greats of the tennis game is Rafael Nadal versus Roger Federer. The Spaniard and the Swiss battled throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s for the top spot in the world and faced off 40 times before they both retired. These included three Wimbledon Finals between 2006 and 2008. Nadal won 24 of their 40 meetings, to Federer's 16, with each being proclaimed as tennis' GOAT.
Georgio, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Adidas Vs Nike
Not a sports' star rivalry, but a sport shoe rivalry. Adidas and Nike both claim to make the best sporting shoes and have included track stars like Jesse Owens (Adidas) and basketball's greatest, Michael Jordan (Nike), as ambassadors. Adidas invented soccer boots with screw-in studs in 1954, but Nike signed Michael Jordan in 1986 and created "Air Jordan"—those shoes make up 58 percent of all basketball shoe sales in the US today.
Real Madrid Vs Barcelona
It's not called "El Clasico" for no reason. Real Madrid and Barcelona are two of Spain's greatest soccer teams and two of the world's best. Their rivalry began in 1902, during a match which Barcelona won 3-1. The fixture is often known for its intensity and crowd atmosphere.
Xavier Rondón Medina, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Liverpool Vs Everton
Another soccer rivalry from England is Liverpool FC versus Everton FC. Both teams reside in the city of Liverpool and have a history dating back to October 18, 1894, making it the longest-running top-tier rivalry in English soccer. The two clubs' home grounds are within sight of each other across the Mersey River and the crowd isn't segregated, unlike other top-flight professional rival matches. Out of 244 matches, Liverpool have won 99.
Nigel Wilson, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Manchester City Vs Manchester United
Manchester is a city in the northwest of England that boasts two very competitive soccer teams: Manchester City and Manchester United. The pair of teams have a rivalry known as the "Manchester derby", which was first played in 1881. The team's rivalry intensified throughout the 1960s, 70s, and early 2010s, as each team rose and fell to Premier League title success. Manchester United have won 79 of the 194 matches between the two, while Manchester City have won 61.
Oldelpaso, Danyele, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Newcastle Vs Sunderland
A northern derby for the ages in English soccer is Newcastle United versus Sunderland FC. Both teams reside in the north of England, just 12 miles apart. Known as the "Tyne-Wear derby", the first meeting of the pair took place in 1883, though they didn't play competitively against one another until 1888. In 2002, two groups of fans clashed at a ferry terminal, resulting in 28 arrests, including two leaders of the groups being jailed for four years each.
Canada Vs United States
In North America, there's perhaps no greater rivalry on a national level than Canada and the United States. Ice hockey is perhaps the most hotly-contested rivalry in sport between the two countries, from the first Olympic hockey gold medal game in 1920 (won by Canada) to when superstar Wayne Gretsky was injured by Gary Suter in 1991, sparking huge backlash from the Canadian fans.
s.yume, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jack Nicklaus Vs Arnold Palmer
To golf we go—and to Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer's rivalry in the 1960s. This golfing rivalry lasted throughout the 1960s, with the two players being virtually even in wins on the PGA Tour. Nicklaus ended up leading the rivalry in the early 1970s by 30 wins to Palmer's 29.
Steve Davis Vs Dennis Taylor
In the game of snooker, the rivalry between Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor had been brewing since 1979, when veteran player Dennis Taylor missed out on winning the World Snooker Championship by missing one shot. Fast-forward to 1985 and a youngster named Steve Davis had taken the snooker world by storm and made his way to the 1985 World Snooker Championship Final. Taylor and Davis met there and gave the crowd one of the most thrilling finals ever, when Taylor again missed a critical shot, handing the championship to Davis in the 35th and final frame of the match.
Manchester Daily Express, Getty Images
Earl Strickland Vs Efren "Bata" Reyes
Pool lovers in the United States will know these two heavyweights of the game: Earl "The Pearl" Strickland and Efren "Bata" Reyes. The American and the Filipino pool stars would share a rivalry that defined pool in the 1980s, each with their own inimitable flair and style. Although they met sparingly during their professional careers, the "GOAT" argument was alive and well throughout the 80s and 90s, with each country laying claim to the best.
Christian Werner Tmv23, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Magic Johnson Vs Larry Bird
The personifications of the Lakers versus Celtics rivalry of the 1980s were Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Johnson began playing in 1979, after being drafted by the Lakers from Michigan State, while Bird joined the Celtics from Indiana State the same year. The two actually met while playing for their university teams, beginning the decade-long rivalry. Although both were civil and friendly with each other, the two led their teams to championship victories with pride over their rival.
Daniel Benavides, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Alabama Vs Auburn
The University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers share a fierce college football rivalry that is better known as the Iron Bowl. Beginning in 1893, the game is considered one of the most important spectacles in college football and is played annually on Thanksgiving weekend. Alabama has won 51 of the 89 games the pair have played since 1893.
Matthew Tosh, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hulk Hogan Vs André The Giant
If you were a professional wrestling fan in the 1980s, you were either into Hulkamania, or loved the Eighth Wonder Of The World, André The Giant. The defining moment of the feud between Hogan and André culminated with the legendary body slam at WrestleMania III in 1987, by Hulk Hogan on André The Giant, who weighed 525 pounds. The match at WrestleMania III, won by Hogan, all but ended a legendary feud of the 1980s in pro wrestling.
The Stanley Weston Archive, Getty Images
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Vs Toronto Argonauts
Back to Canada for this one, namely the province of Ontario and the Canadian Football League, or CFL. The Argonauts are the oldest existing professional sports team in North America, having been founded in 1873. They first clashed with the Tiger-Cats on October 18, 1873 and began one of the hottest and most storied rivalries in Canadian football history.
DoubleBlue, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Duke Vs North Carolina
Duke University and the University of North Carolina may be two of the most prestigious universities in the United States, but they're bitter rivals on the field. Meeting over 250 times in the last 90 years, UNC slightly edges Duke in the all-time scores, but each game between is a fearsome affair in university sport.
Los Angeles Dodgers Vs San Francisco Giants
The LA Dodgers and San Francisco Giants were rivals way back in the 19th century, when both teams were based in New York, known as the New York Dodgers and Giants respectively. Each team moved to California around the same time and the MLB rivalry reignited. In 1965, the two teams fought on the field after Giants pitcher Juan Marichal threw too close to Dodgers catcher John Roseboro. A 14-minute brawl ensued.
Gaston Hinostroza, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rangers Vs Celtic
Rangers FC and Celtic FC are two Scottish soccer teams with a long history of sectarian hatred that dates back to 1888, when the two first met. More than a soccer match, Rangers and Celtic games have consistently been viewed as Catholics versus Protestants and religious sectarianism has been a backdrop of the "Old Firm derby" for years.
Excalibur1953, Wikimedia Commons
Fenerbahçe Vs Galatasaray
Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray clashes are widely regarded as the most important matches in Turkish soccer and one of the biggest games in Europe. The first meeting between the two occurred in January of 1909. Although each team is based in the city of Istanbul, their sets of fans are from different cultural and class backgrounds within the city.
Al-Masry Vs Al-Ahly Stadium Riot
In Egypt in 2012, following the conclusion of a Egyptian Premier League soccer match between bitter rivals Al-Masry and Al-Ahly, two sets of fans began to riot inside the stadium. Al-Masry fans invaded the pitch after Al-Ahly's victory and attacked their fans with machetes, clubs, knives, bottles, and fireworks. The ensuing riot led to the deaths of 74 people in one of the worst instances of sporting violence from fans in modern history.
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