The biggest Rivalries in world sport (in my opinion) are:

(not in any order.)

1). Celtic vs Rangers. (Soccer.) The city of Glasgow can be divided right down the middle when it comes to this intense rivalry. The first game between these two clubs took place in 1888 and since then these two teams have been the power houses of Scottish Soccer. The game has a very strong religious and political background as well. Rangers are traditionally supported by Protestants whilst Celtic represented the Irish Catholic community. Rangers have also been Strongly associated with Northern Irish Unionist and Loyalists and Celtic with the Irish Republican movement. So the hatred is set beyond the sport itself. However even without these political divides Celtic and Rangers’ sheer dominance would have ensured that this rivalry would have been fierce. There are only a handful of times over the last 130 years that any other team, besides the Glasgow two, in Scottish football have been crowned champions.

2). Real Madrid v Barcelona. (Soccer: Spain) Nicknamed “El clasico” this rivalry also has deep political divides. This time dating back to Franco’s Spain. Fascist dictator Franco took a deep interest in the Real Madrid and they became an icon of his Spain, winning a handful of European Cups (club soccer’s highest prize.) in the 1950′s. Whilst Barcelona become a symbol of anti fascist Catalan nationalism. These teams are make up on of the fiercest rivalries in European football, and that is saying something.

3) Boca Juniors v River Plate (Soccer: Argentina.) Two of the biggest South American clubs both from Buenos Aires. Boca Juniors are said to represent the working class community while River Plate are nicknamed Los Millonarios and boast a more upper class support base.

4). India v Pakistan (cricket.) If you don’t know why Indian’s and Pakistanis hate each other pick up a book. If you don’t know that Indians and Pakistanis both love Cricket watch a game (well don’t its boring.). If you can’t comprehend why this rivalry is so huge then I can’t help you.

5.) Serbia v Croatia (soccer) See India v Pakistan but replace the word cricket with soccer (also delete the boring part.)

6.) England v almost anyone. (soccer) The Germans, Welsh, Irish, Scots, Australians, Argentinians, Portuguese, French, Croatians and anyone else really love beating England. Why? Because they are English and why the hell not. Some have historical significance (Scotland, Wales, Germany, Ireland, Argentina.) some are more recent dislikes (Portuguese and Croatia) but there is little doubt that everyone likes beating the English.

7.) Argentina v Brazil. (soccer of course.) The two powerhouses of South American soccer. Brazil gave us Pele, Argentina gave us Maradona. This a local rivalry that comes from a long history of competition and mutual animosity.

I won’t go on because I’m sure in the true style of being American (I know I am one.) we won’t like to be told that our rivalries aren’t the biggest. But they aren’t.

The reason being is that the political and historical backgrounds aren’t really there in American sports. Most cities in England have at least 2 soccer teams. This usually leads to their being a big divide on game day. In the US, with a few exceptions, most Cities support the one team. Also as many clubs in europe are very old they have developed down class lines, which isn’t the same here in the US.

Mike.