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!

Pirlo’s free kick took me straight back to AC Milan’s golden days… 😢❤️ | My animated tribute

I saw Pirlo score that free kick at 45… and suddenly I was a teenager again, watching him in that iconic red and black shirt.
As a lifelong AC Milan fan, Pirlo was pure magic — the calm in chaos, the maestro of San Siro.

This moment hit me hard, so I did what I do best: I turned it into a cartoon.
A little tribute to one of the greatest midfielders to ever play the game.
Hope it brings back memories for you too. 🖤❤️

👉 Which Pirlo moment still gives you goosebumps?

Italy vs. Germany: Who Has the Greatest Football Legends?

🔥 Italy vs. Germany – The Ultimate Legends Battle! 🔥 Who has the greatest football legends? Buffon vs. Neuer, Maldini vs. Beckenbauer, Baggio vs. Matthäus, and more! This funny animated cartoon puts the biggest icons of Italy and Germany in a hilarious showdown.

Juventus vs AC Milan: Who's the Greatest in Football History?

The legendary rivalry between AC Milan and Juventus! The Devil and the Old Lady mascots face off in a hilarious debate, showcasing their iconic football histories. 

From Milan’s 7 Champions League titles and Paolo Maldini’s legacy to Juventus’ 36 Serie A trophies and Gianluigi Buffon’s greatness. 

Maldini Legacy: Daniel Joins Italy’s 3rd Gen Squad

Third-generation Maldini alert! Daniel Maldini just joined the family tradition by repping Italy, following in the legendary footsteps of his dad Paolo and grandpa Cesare. Guess it runs in the blood

Maldini's 5 Champions Leagues vs Inter & Juventus Combined

Maldini’s Champions League count = Inter + Juventus combined

Italian Talent Riccardo Calafiori joins Arsenal

Arteta envisions having a legendary defender at Arsenal, akin to Maldini, Cannavaro, and Nesta. With Ricardo Calafiori now on the team, can he rise to the level of these Italian greats?

From Legends to Struggles: The Decline of Italian Football

The Rise and Fall of Italy

Italy's national football team, with four World Cups and two European Championships, has seen dramatic highs and lows. Despite their Euro 2020 triumph, recent struggles include failing to qualify for the last two World Cups, marking a significant decline from their historic successes. Written and narrated by: Carlo Garganese Animation and direction by: Omar Momani

Euro 2000

Italy immune defense Maldini, Cannavaro and Nesta with the brilliant goalkeeper Toldo reached the final of Euro 2000, but things didn't end like they want.

Baresi and Maldini

Witness the epic saga of AC Milan's dynamos, Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini!

For 13 legendary years (1984-1997), these defensive marvels captained the squad to glory, seizing three Champions League crowns and five Serie A titles, among countless other accolades.

In a move befitting their unmatched legacy, AC Milan retired their jersey numbers: Baresi's iconic number 6 and Maldini's revered number 3. A tribute to their eternal greatness, etched in footballing lore forever!

Gattuso and Maldini

Only Paolo Maldini possesses the expertise to handle Gennaro Gattuso

Giorgio Chiellini's memorable moments with Italy and Juventus

The iconic defender from Italy and Juventus, Giorgio Chiellini, has officially declared his retirement. Reflecting on his illustrious career, notable instances come to mind, such as his confrontation with Paolo Maldini, his close friendship with Bonucci, the infamous incident when Luis Suarez bit him, and the memorable episode when he grabbed Saka by his shirt, among others.

The Rise and Fall of The Italy National Team: Scene 5: Italia '90

Italy hosted the 14th FIFA World Cup in 1990.

Many hopes were on the Azzurri with a skillful generation

(Salvatore Schillaci, Roberto Baggio, Walter Zenga, Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Giuseppe Bergomi, Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto Donadoni and Riccardo Ferri)

and their semi final game with World Champion Argentina with Diego Maradona, Claudio Caniggia and Sergio Goycochea.

Written and narrated by: Carlo Garganese

Animation and direction by: Omar Momani

AC Milan 2022

The Maldini family

Donnarumma and Çalhanoğlu left AC Milan for free!

Paolo Maldini

Many consider Paolo Maldini as the GOAT of defenders

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Maldini vs Zanetti

Maldini or Zanetti
Who was a better captain?
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A collaboration with @i_tifosissimi_official .

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