Top 15 Biggest Football Derbies in the World – 2025/26 Season Preview & History

      Nothing in sport comes close to a proper football derby. The hate, the passion, the history, the violence (sometimes), the bragging rights that last a lifetime – these are the matches that stop nations. From the Old Firm to El Clásico, from the Milan Derby to the Superclásico, here are the 15 biggest football derbies on the planet, ranked by global impact, atmosphere, and stakes for the 2025/26 season – with dates, current form, and why they still matter more than any trophy.

15. Manchester Derby – Manchester City vs Manchester United

Once the “noisy neighbours” vs the giants, now the richest club in the world against the biggest brand. The 2025/26 fixtures: December 6 (Etihad) & April 11 (Old Trafford). City have dominated (8 wins in last 10), but United’s resurgence under their new manager makes this one spicy again.

14. North London Derby – Arsenal vs Tottenham

“It’s not just three points – it’s pride.” Arsenal have won 5 of the last 7, but Spurs under Ange still bring chaos. Fixtures: November 29 & April 25. Expect fireworks.

13. Derby d’Italia – Juventus vs Inter Milan

The original Italian super-derby. Inter are champions and 11 points clear, Juventus are rebuilding. The rivalry born from Calciopoli still burns. Fixtures: December 8 & April 27.

12. Derby della Madonnina – AC Milan vs Inter Milan

They share a stadium (San Siro), but everything else is war. Inter dominate recently, but Milan’s new signings have closed the gap. Fixtures: October 26 & February 22.

11. Revierderby – Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04

The mother of all German derbies. The Yellow Wall vs the Royal Blues – even when Schalke are in 2. Bundesliga, this match stops the Ruhr. 2025/26 date: March 1.

10. Derby de Lisboa – Benfica vs Sporting CP

Portugal’s fiercest rivalry. Both clubs are title contenders again in 2025/26. The atmosphere at Estádio da Luz is electric. Fixtures: November 2 & April 5.

9. De Klassieker – Ajax vs Feyenoord

The Dutch classic. Ajax vs Rotterdam – culture clash on steroids. Last season’s match was abandoned after 55 minutes due to crowd trouble. 2025/26: October 26 & March 15.

8. Derby della Capitale – Roma vs Lazio

Rome stops when these two meet. Flares, fights, and pure hate. Fixtures: November 9 & April 6.

7. Old Firm – Celtic vs Rangers

Not just football – religion, politics, identity. Celtic have dominated, but Rangers are back challenging. Fixtures: January 2 & April 12.

6. El Derbi Madrileño – Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid

The rich vs the rebels. Atlético have won 4 of the last 10 – Simeone’s side love ruining Madrid’s day. Fixtures: December 14 & May 3.

5. El Clásico – Real Madrid vs Barcelona

The biggest club match on Earth. Mbappé vs Yamal, Ancelotti vs Flick – 2025/26 feels special. Fixtures: October 26 (Bernabéu) & May 11 (Camp Nou).

4. Superclásico – Boca Juniors vs River Plate

Argentina’s war. La Bombonera shakes, flares light the sky, and the world stops. 2025 dates: March 9 & September 14.

3. Cairo Derby – Al Ahly vs Zamalek

Africa’s biggest derby. Over 100 million watch worldwide. Al Ahly dominate, but Zamalek’s fans bring chaos. 2025 date: January 25.

2. Istanbul Derby – Galatasaray vs Fenerbahçe

The most intense atmosphere on the planet. 50,000 fans screaming for 90 minutes straight. 2025/26 dates: November 23 & April 19.

1. The Eternal Derby – Red Star Belgrade vs Partizan Belgrade

The fiercest derby in world football. Flares, fights, and pure hatred. The “Delije” vs “Grobari” – even UEFA fears this one. 2025/26 dates: October 19 & April 25.

Conclusion

Derbies aren’t about points – they’re about identity. Which one gives you goosebumps? Which one would you travel the world to see live? Drop your favourite derby in the comments – I reply to every one!

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