The 20 Biggest Football Derbies in British Football (Ranked)

The North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur is one of British football’s most intense and passionate fixtures. This one — full of drama, goals, and atmosphere — is just one of many that make football in Britain so great.

In this top 20 of British football derbies, we’ve looked at several factors — passion of the fans, historical importance of the fixture, memorable matches over the years, and raw intensity of each rivalry.

From the Old Firm in Scotland to the Manchester Derby and the Merseyside Derby in England, these games are more than just three points — they’re pride, tradition, and bragging rights that last long after the final whistle.

Why Are Derbies Special?

There’s something different about Derby Day, isn’t there? Whether it’s the atmosphere, the history, or the fact that local bragging rights are on the line, these games get the emotions going like nothing else.

While Premier League derbies like Arsenal vs Tottenham or Manchester United vs Manchester City get all the headlines, rivalries in the lower leagues across Britain are just as fierce — sometimes more so — with local pride and history adding fuel to the fire.

How We Ranked the Top 20 Derbies

We based our rankings on the following:

• Fan atmosphere and stadium experience
• Historical significance of the rivalry
• Most memorable matches played
• Only one derby per club (with the primary local rivalry taking precedence)