Top 10 Biggest Rivalries in Sports - Ranked

Have you ever wondered what the biggest rivalry in sports is? There are numerous! Fans often perceive that rivalries are only formed in team sports, but that's not true. Although sports are meant to bring people together, at times, it feels good to take the back seat and enjoy the heat when the Davids face the Goliaths. Because competition is what makes the sport better, and the biggest rivalries in sports make it more enjoyable. In 2025, there are a lot of rivalries in the world, but today we will look at the top 10 biggest rivalries in sports.

List of Biggest Rivalry in Sports

While it was tough to shortlist the biggest rivalries in sports, we thought using all major team and individual sports would be the best method to prepare this list. Here you will get to know what the biggest rivalry in sports is and which clash is considered the biggest sports rivalry in the world.

How we Ranked the Biggest Sports Rivalry in the World?

There were a few criteria considered while ranking the biggest rivalries in sports. We have listed them below:

• Historical Context: All the rivalries mentioned in this article have a historical context, have existed for a long period, and have not merely brewed up recently.
• Competitiveness: If it is one of the biggest sports rivalries in the world, then it needs to be at the top level and a part of a top competition. The same has been maintained for all 10 rivalries.
• Global Following: These rivalries are chartbusters not only in their specific region but also across the globe. At times, they even divide the world into two halves.
• Iconic Moments: The biggest rivalries in sports have always delivered moments to cherish and remember, and these aforementioned rivalries follow that!

What is the Biggest Rivalry in Sports Right Now?

While there are 10 rivalries in this article, undoubtedly, the most intense is the India vs. Pakistan cricket match, which has had its fair share of controversy over the years. However, when it comes to football, rivalry among clubs and countries, like the Brazil vs. Argentina game, is equally responsible for creating rifts.

#10 Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen - Formula 1

When it comes to the racing world, both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are legends of the sport. Often, there is debate among the fans as to who is the greatest of all time between the two. However, the records can go for a toss, and we can simply enjoy their rivalry, which can be labelled as the best rivalry in Formula 1 and one of the biggest rivalry in sports.

#9 Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier - Boxing

One of the fiercest encounters in boxing and undoubtedly one of the biggest rivalry in sports, the Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier match was once a topper of charts. While Ali was considered “The Greatest”, Frazier was no less. The two boxing legends met three times throughout their career. Ali emerged victorious twice, while Frazier won in their first-ever meeting, and each fight was believed to have surpassed the previous one in terms of fire. The first fight was known as “The Fight of the Century”, the second was named “Super Fight II”, and the third was called “The Thrilla in Manila”.

#8 Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal - Tennis

The debate of the century, with regards to tennis, who is the best? Federer or Nadal? Well, both are legends of the sport, and special in their own way. Both the superstars, who once formed one of the biggest rivalries in sports, have now retired from the show, but whenever fans look back, the matches between the two offered a different aura, and most importantly, a masterclass of technique. They faced each other for the first time in the Miami Masters' third round back in 2004, and ever since then, their rivalry has kept fans glued to the screen.

#7 Lakers vs Celtics - Basketball

Both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics are heavyweights when it comes to the NBA, and the fixture between the two is counted among the top 10 biggest rivalry in sports. Their first meeting dates back to 1948, which the Celtics won, and even their most recent fixture in March 2025 saw the Celtics continue their dominance. The two teams have met 302 times in the regular season. While the Lakers have won 135 times, the Celtics have emerged victorious on 167 occasions. The overall statistics claim the Celtics have won 210 games, and the Lakers have been triumphant 166 times.

#6 Yankees vs Red Sox

Two phenomenal teams, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, have been rivals ever since 1919, when Harry Frazee, the latter's owner, sold player Babe Ruth to the Yankees. Since that move, the Red Sox did not win the World Series for 86 years. The teams' first meeting dates back to 1923, when the Yankees defeated the Red Sox 4-1. Notably, this game was witnessed by 74,200 people at the famous Yankee Stadium. Over the years, the teams have faced 2317 times, with the Yankees winning on 1258 occasions and the Red Sox triumphing 1045 times.

#5 Brazil vs Argentina - Football

The Brazil vs Argentina game is not only one of the biggest rivalries in sports but also has fans all over the world. People from different countries support either of the two teams and cheer for them when they participate in the FIFA World Cup. The countries have produced top-notch greats like Pele, Neymar, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, and the rivalry still stands tall among the footballing world. The first meeting between the sides dates back to 1914, where Argentina defeated Brazil 3-0. The teams have locked horns 111 times, with Argentina winning the fixture 43 times compared to Brazil's 42. 26 matches ended in draws.

#4 Australia vs England - Cricket

The Ashes, as the rivalry is popularly known, is regarded as one of the biggest sports rivalry in the world. The aforementioned test series started way back in 1882 and culminated in a rivalry when Australia defeated England for the first time at the latter's den. The fixture has produced great moments, including the legendary Don Bradman and Ian Botham, and it still continues to divide the cricket world whenever the teams meet up.

#3 Manchester United vs Liverpool - Football

One of the fiercest rivalries in football and one of the biggest rivalries in sports, the Manchester United vs. Liverpool game has had its moments since time immemorial. While the two teams are not city rivals, this fixture is often considered greater than the local derbies, which United play against Manchester City or the Merseyside derby, which Liverpool play against Everton. The first meeting between the sides dates back to 1894, when Manchester United were known as Newton Heath. Since then, the teams have met 216 times across all competitions, with United winning 83 times to the Reds' 72. 61 games have ended in draws!

#2 Barcelona vs Real Madrid

El Clásico is the preferred term that fans use to label this big game. Similar to the United-Liverpool encounter, this game is also not a derby. While Real Madrid play their local derby with Atletico Madrid, Barcelona's derby rivals are Espanyol. The first meeting between Barca and Real dates back to 1902, when the sides faced in the Copa de la Coronacion, a game in which Barcelona outwitted the then-Madrid FC 3-1. Since then, the teams have locked horns on 261 occasions, with Barca winning 104 games, one short of Real's 105. 52 games have ended in draws. This is the biggest rivalry in football and, of course, one of the biggest rivalries in sports.

#1 India vs Pakistan - Cricket

When it comes to India vs Pakistan, it is not only about cricket, but a matter of reputation, with history playing a significant role in the development of this rivalry. The fans, the countrymen, consider themselves bitter rivals, and this game is something which cricket fans in both India and Pakistan wait for the entire year. The first meeting dates back to 1952, when India defeated their neighbours in a test match by 70 runs and an innings. Ever since then, this rivalry has brewed up and is currently the biggest sports rivalry in the world. The teams have met 208 times across tests, ODIs and T20 internationals. India have dominated the encounter in recent times, however, Pakistan have the lead when it comes to ODIs, as they have won 73 compared to India's 58. However, India have always defeated their neighbours in the ODI World Cup (eight times).