The Top 18 Biggest Derbies in British Football (Ranked)

Derby matches have a special intensity, don’t they? They can make your knees feel weak and send your heart racing. These games carry an electric atmosphere from the North London showdown to the Manchester clashes in the Premier League. Even the rivalries further down in English football often have just as much passion, if not more.

With that in mind, we’ve ranked the top 18 football derbies in the UK men’s game. Of course, this is a personal topic, and for every fan, their derby is always the most important one. And that’s valid! Still, it’s fair to say that some derbies stand out more than others.

Our ranking considers factors like fan atmosphere, historical significance, the matches’ intensity, and the rivalry’s weight. And just a heads-up: each club is only included once, based on their primary local rivalry. So before you grab your pitchforks, remember that matches like Manchester United vs. Liverpool, Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur, and various East Midlands derbies didn’t cut.