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Click on to discover the most iconic sport rivalries of all time.
This rivalry between two of Spain's biggest soccer clubs goes beyond sport, fueled by deep political, cultural, and regional divides. Matches are intensely competitive and symbolic.
Boxing's most iconic rivalry featured Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in three legendary bouts from 1971 to 1975, including the "Thrilla in Manila." Each fighter won a match before Ali claimed victory in the final showdown.
One of tennis's greatest rivalries, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have met in numerous Grand Slam finals, showcasing contrasting styles. Their 2008 Wimbledon final is widely regarded as a classic match.
Simone Biles and Brazil's Rebeca Andrade are currently two of the biggest names in gymnastics. Their rivalry, characterized by mutual respect, was evident at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they both secured medals.
This political and cultural cricket rivalry is among the most intense in the world. Matches attract massive audiences, with historic moments like India's 2011 World Cup semi-final victory.
Messi's dribbling and play making contrast with Ronaldo's athleticism and goal-scoring ability, sparking endless comparisons, records, and Ballon d’Or awards.
F1's fiercest rivalry occurred between Senna and Prost during the late '80s and early '90s. Their competitive relationship peaked with several controversial collisions, showcasing their differing racing philosophies.
This golf rivalry features contrasting personalities, with Tiger Woods as the driven prodigy and Phil Mickelson as the charismatic risk-taker. While Woods dominated their early career meetings, Mickelson's late-career resurgence has reignited this dynamic competition.
Reflecting the historical competition between the cities, this is the biggest rivalry in English soccer. With 39 combined league titles, their clashes often influence the Premier League title race.
A decade-long tennis rivalry, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova faced off in numerous high-profile matches, including Grand Slam finals. Their contrasting styles and personalities heightened the intensity of their encounters.
Two of the NBA's greatest players, LeBron and Durant have squared off in multiple finals, each cementing their legacy in basketball.
One of soccer's fiercest international rivalries features Brazil and Argentina. Matches between these nations are often dramatic, exemplified by the 2021 Copa America final, where Argentina emerged victorious.
Tennis legends McEnroe and Borg faced off in one of the sport's most iconic rivalries, with Borg's calm demeanor contrasting McEnroe's fiery temperament. Their battles, especially the 1980 Wimbledon final, left a lasting mark on tennis history.
NBA greats Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan led their respective teams, the Lakers and Spurs, to multiple titles in the 2000s. Their rivalry was marked by contrasting playing styles and philosophies, making their matchups highly compelling.
At 29, King accepted Riggs' tennis challenge in 1973 after he claimed male superiority in sports. King decisively defeated the 55-year-old Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes," inspiring generations of female athletes.
The two quarterbacks built an intense rivalry on the field. Brady won 11 of their 17 matchups, while Manning triumphed in three of four AFC Championships, adding two Super Bowl victories against Brady.
The rivalry between the American figure skaters reached a boiling point at the 1994 Winter Olympics, after the infamous attack on Kerrigan. Their contrasting backgrounds and the scandal surrounding them made their rivalry unforgettable.
The battle between Djokovic, a veteran legend, and Alcaraz, a young rising star, is currently defining men's tennis. Their closely contested Grand Slam finals, including Wimbledon and the US Open, have electrified fans.
Verstappen and Hamilton have been fierce rivals since their thrilling 2021 title showdown. The intensity continues as they compete across F1 circuits around the world.
Their feud ignited the NBA in the late '90s and early 2000s. Tensions escalated as O'Neal accused Bryant of selfishness, culminating in their 2004 finals loss and O'Neal's trade to Miami. Despite their rivalry, they later formed an unlikely friendship, with O'Neal honoring Bryant at his memorial in 2020.
The Yankees–Red Sox rivalry, defined by the "Curse of the Bambino." After acquiring Babe Ruth in 1920, the Red Sox faced a long championship drought, ending in 2004 when they came back from a three-game deficit to win the ALCS and the World Series against the Cardinals.
One of the most iconic rivalries in tennis, Navratilova and Evert faced each other 80 times from the 1970s through the 1980s.
Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus were "best rivals forever," dominating men's professional golf in the 1960s, while building a lasting friendship.
The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears have faced off nearly 200 times since 1921, showcasing a rivalry rich in championships, legendary players, and coaches.
In the early '90s, Graf and Seles dominated women’s tennis, with Seles challenging Graf's reign at the top. Their rivalry peaked when Seles became the world's top-ranked player, but it was cut short by the tragic stabbing incident in 1993.
One of cricket's oldest rivalries, The Ashes, sees England and Australia compete in a five-match Test series. First contested in 1882, the series is known for its intensity and iconic moments.
The Old Firm is more than just soccer, it's a clash of religious and political identities in Scotland. The rivalry between Celtic (Catholic) and Rangers (Protestant) has deep historical roots, making each match a highly charged event.
When Gordon entered NASCAR in 1992, he was about 20 years younger than veteran Earnhardt, leading to a playful rivalry. In 1995, after winning the Cup Series, Gordon humorously toasted Earnhardt with milk, reinforcing their friendly competition.
Since their 2005 debut, Crosby and Ovechkin have thrilled NHL fans with a rivalry that evolved from media hype to real on-ice clashes.
Koepka's and DeChambeau's rivalry began in 2019 when Koepka criticized DeChambeau's slow play. Despite a brief reconciliation, tensions flared with playful jabs on social media, keeping fans entertained.
Sources: (ESPN) (Men's Health) (Sportsnet)
The most iconic sport rivalries of all time
These big rivalries defined the world of sports
LIFESTYLE Sports
Sports rivalries are the heartbeat of competition, where athletes and teams push each other to the limit. From legendary tennis duels to intense clashes on the soccer field, these rivalries transcend the game itself, captivating fans worldwide. Whether defined by decades of hard-fought battles or dramatic moments that shape careers, they ignite passion and leave a lasting legacy.
Click on to discover the most iconic sport rivalries of all time.