The Greatest Football Rivalries of All Time

Football has always been more than just a game. It’s about passion, glory, heartbreak — and of course, rivalries that keep fans debating for decades. Some rivalries are about clubs, but the most iconic ones are between players and coaches. Here are some of the greatest football rivalries of all time:

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🐐 Messi vs Ronaldo

Perhaps the most famous rivalry in football history.
For more than 15 years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the game, exchanging Ballon d’Or titles, Champions League goals, and endless debates. Fans are still divided: Who is the real GOAT?

👑 Maradona vs Pelé

Before Messi and Ronaldo, the debate was always about Diego Maradona and Pelé.
Pelé, the "King of Football," lifted three World Cups. Maradona, the genius with the “Hand of God,” led Argentina to glory in 1986. Their rivalry defined the 20th century of football.

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🔴🔵 Gerrard vs Lampard

In England, nothing sparks more arguments than Steven Gerrard vs Frank Lampard.
Gerrard, the heart and soul of Liverpool, versus Lampard, Chelsea’s goal-scoring machine from midfield. Who was better? The debate is endless.

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🛡️ Maldini vs Ramos

Defensive greatness across two eras.
Paolo Maldini, the elegant Milan legend, known for discipline and leadership. Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid’s warrior, famous for last-minute goals and red cards. Two different styles, both unforgettable.

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🧤 Buffon vs Casillas

The ultimate goalkeeper rivalry.
Gianluigi Buffon, Italy’s timeless captain, against Iker Casillas, Spain’s “San Iker.” Both lifted World Cups, Champions Leagues, and countless trophies. Fans still argue: who was the better shot-stopper?

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🤬 Suárez vs Gattuso

The fiery rivalry we didn’t know we needed.
Luis Suárez, infamous for his bites, against Gennaro Gattuso, the Italian midfield warrior with a short fuse. If they ever shared the same pitch, chaos was guaranteed.

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🎩 Mourinho vs Guardiola

It’s not just about players — coaches have rivalries too.
José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola clashed in Spain and later in England, with very different philosophies. Pep, the tactical mastermind; Mourinho, the master of mind games. Their rivalry is still alive today.

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👑 Bonus: Zlatan vs Zlatan

Because sometimes the only rival you have is yourself.
As Zlatan Ibrahimović once said: “Only Zlatan can defeat Zlatan.”

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⚽ Final Whistle

Rivalries define football history. They make matches more exciting and fuel endless debates.

👉 Which rivalry is your favorite? Did we miss one? Share it in the comments! 

Zlatan: The GOAT of Missing Trophies

When we talk about football legends, we usually mention their glorious achievements—World Cups, Champions Leagues, Ballon d’Ors, and Euros. But sometimes, what makes a story funnier is what’s missing.

Cristiano Ronaldo has no World Cup 🌍.
Benzema has no Euro 🏆.
Ronaldo Nazário never lifted the Champions League ✨.
Maldini, despite being a defensive icon, never won the Ballon d’Or 🥇.

And then… there’s Zlatan Ibrahimović. He missed them all, yet still calls himself a legend 👑😂.

That’s why I made this short cartoon: a quick, funny look at Zlatan being the “GOAT of Missing Trophies.” Sometimes football isn’t just about winning—it’s about the laughs it gives us along the way.

⚽ Watch the short on my YouTube channel and enjoy more football cartoons!

Mohamed Salah Makes History: First Player to Win 3 PFA Player of the Year Awards

Mohamed Salah has made Premier League history by becoming the first ever player to win the PFA Player of the Year Award three times (2018, 2022, 2025).

Before Salah, only Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kevin De Bruyne had won the award twice. Salah’s third crown puts him above these legends and cements his place as one of the greatest in English football.

Nicknamed the Egyptian King, Salah’s dominance and consistency continue to inspire millions of fans worldwide. With this record-breaking achievement, his legacy in football is now undeniable.

Cristiano Ronaldo & Georgina Engagement Turns Into Ring Battle with Messi’s Antonella!

Cristiano Ronaldo finally proposes to Georgina Rodríguez, but things take a hilarious turn when Lionel Messi’s wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, joins the scene! 💍⚽ From the biggest rings to the biggest football trophies – it’s the ultimate WAGs showdown! Who wins the ring battle? Watch till the end to find out!

João Félix – Football’s Flying Nomad

João Félix isn’t just a footballer anymore — he’s become football’s very own Sinbad.
Since leaving Benfica, he’s been on a whirlwind journey across Europe (and beyond), riding what feels like a magic carpet of endless loans and transfers.

It started with a record-breaking move to Atlético Madrid, but Diego Simeone’s rigid tactics never fit Félix’s free-flowing style. Soon after, he was off to Chelsea, where his debut ended with a red card — a perfect symbol of that short-lived spell.

Then came a brighter stint at Barcelona, where he showed glimpses of magic, only to fade as competition increased. A move to AC Milan offered a fresh start, but even that didn’t feel like “home.”

Now? He’s in Al Nassr, landing next to Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.

João Félix is a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough — you need the right team, system, and a bit of luck.
Until then… the magic carpet keeps flying.

PSG vs Real Madrid – Rivalry of the 21st Century 🔥⚔️

Who wins when the biggest names of PSG and Real Madrid go head to head? A battle of eras, legends, and styles: 🧤 Donnarumma vs Casillas 🛡️ Marquinhos vs Ramos 🧠 Verratti vs Modrić ⚡ Dembélé vs Zidane 🔥 Mbappé vs Cristiano Ronaldo Which duel is your favorite? Let us know below! 👇

FOR JOTA – A SHORT TRIBUTE

Cristiano Ronaldo’s INSANE Salary at Al Nassr

Speed tried everything to get Messi’s attention… 😂

He barked, danced, begged… but Messi didn’t even look. What happens next will leave you speechless 😳 Watch till the end.

Yamal Dominates Mbappé… Until Ronaldo Ends It with the Nations League Trophy!

Lamine Yamal had the upper hand against Kylian Mbappé in almost every encounter — until Ronaldo stepped in! After Yamal’s dominance in club and international clashes, it seemed no one could stop him… But in the Nations League final, CR7 strikes back with a trophy knockout! 😂⚽
Who’s the real boss?

No Cups, Just Goals — Mbappé’s Golden Shoe for Real Madrid ⚪👟

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé didn’t win the league… He didn’t win the cup… He didn’t lift the Champions League trophy… But in a season full of broken dreams, he claimed the most shining prize: 🥇 The European Golden Shoe. Watch this short animated tribute where a sad Ninja Turtle version of Mbappé is comforted by Real Madrid legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Hugo Sánchez… and transforms into a golden goal machine! This is not just a cartoon — it’s about legacy, pride, and the journey of a star who’s just getting started. ⚪ Hala Madrid.

فاز عليهم كلهم وخلص الدوري قبل نهايته .. 🏆🐅 #الاتحاد

الاتحاد ناويها نية 🐅🔥 وكلاسيكو بين حماس واسترخاء 😅🤣

قمة النصر والاتحاد

يُقال ميتروفيتش باقي في جيب ايبانيز وديميرال .. ورونالدو يكلم الخيال 😅

دوري ابطال اسيا للنخبة ربع النهائي

الكوري طلع منفوخ 🎈
‏والتايلندي بوابة عبور ✅
‏ورونالدو آسيوي بذكريات أوروبا 👀

‏كلاسيكو اهلي وهلال بنكهة آسيوية 🔥🇸🇦
‏والنصر في اختبار ياباني جديد 

الجولة 28 من الدوري السعودي

ميترو الهلال يعود من جديد والفتح يقول لبنزيما STOP أوباميانغ يسكّت، ومحرز يوزع هدايا

The End of Madrid’s Magic: When the Genie Slept and Arsenal Laughed

For years, Real Madrid had a magical secret in the Champions League: a genie that made the impossible happen. But in 2025, as the Bernabeu looked for yet another remontada, the genie had simply… run out of wishes. 

In the latest cartoon, it shows how Real Madrid’s legacy of comebacks comes to a funny halt — with the genie falling asleep and Arsenal fans watching in disbelief and joy.

Featuring iconic moments and faces like Ronaldo, Ancelotti, Modric, Vini, Bellingham, and Declan Rice, this cartoon captures the moment the magic stopped.

🔥 أهداف صاروخية ومواقف طريفة في الجولة 27 من الدوري السعودي!

في الجولة 27 من دوري روشن السعودي، شهدنا لحظات مثيرة وأخرى طريفة كعادتها!

في فريق الشباب، تصاعدت حدة التوتر بين عبد الرزاق حمد الله ويانيك كاراسكو بسبب ركلة جزاء، حيث تنافس النجمان على تنفيذها، لينتصر حمد الله في النهاية ويسجل الهدف، متجاوزًا عمر السومة في عدد الأهداف.

من جهة أخرى، أوناي هيرنانديز لاعب الاتحاد أطلق صاروخية لا تصد ولا ترد هزت الشباك، لتكون من أجمل أهداف الجولة.

أما كريستيانو رونالدو، نجم النصر، فأبى إلا أن يترك بصمته بهدف صاروخي خاص به في شباك الرياض.

وفي مشهد طريف داخل الهلال، بدا المدرب جورجي جيسوس واللاعب مالكوم منشغلَين بالحديث عن منتخب البرازيل، ما أثار دهشة سيرغي ميلينكوفيتش-سافيتش وميتروفيتش، وكأن لسان حالهما يقول: "والهلال؟!"

تابعوا الفيديو الكرتوني لرؤية هذه اللحظات بنكهة فكاهية وبأسلوبي الخاص 

Odegaard’s Revenge: How Declan Rice Became the Cannonball That Crushed Real Madrid

In 2015, a young Martin Odegaard joined Real Madrid full of ambition. But with a star-filled squad led by Ronaldo, Benzema, and James Rodríguez, Odegaard struggled to find space — and eventually, he was sent out on loan.

That memory never left him.

Now, as Arsenal captain and leader of a new generation, Odegaard returned to face his former club — this time in the Champions League. In my latest cartoon, I imagined him reliving those old memories, walking up to the iconic Arsenal cannon… and loading a single football inside it.

But this was no ordinary shot — the ball transforms mid-air into Declan Rice, who smashes into Real Madrid’s castle and scores two stunning goals. Arsenal win 3-0, and Odegaard’s revenge is complete.

This cartoon is a tribute to Odegaard’s journey, Rice’s power, and the poetic stories football gives us. I’m proud to bring it to life for Bleacher Report Football.