The Official GOAT List: Ranking the Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time
Image Credits: Matt Christopher
We think this list of the Greatest Rivalries in Sports is the most heated debate in sports history! We're talking about rivalries that ignite passions you didn't even know you had. Like, why do people lose their minds over the Yankees vs. Red Sox game? And don't get me started on Real Madrid vs. Barcelona—fans will brawl over which team's grass is greener, literally. Then there are the Lakers vs. Celtics, where every game is a mini-drama series, and the Packers vs. Bears, where it's a family feud but with millions of dollars and pride on the line. These aren't just games; they're cultural milestones packed with legendary moments and debates fueled by the most ridiculously specific stats and historical trivia. It's absurd, it's intense, and yes, it's totally necessary to argue about the list of biggest sports rivalries. Pick a side, any side!
1. NEW YORK YANKEES VS. BOSTON RED SOX (BASEBALL)
New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox (Baseball) is currently the #1 Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time winning 67.5% head-to-head battles.
2. OHIO STATE VS. MICHIGAN (FOOTBALL)
Ohio State vs. Michigan (Football) is currently the #2 Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time winning 61.0% head-to-head battles.
3. ARMY VS. NAVY (COLLEGE FOOTBALL)
Army vs. Navy (College Football) is currently the #3 Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time winning 57.2% head-to-head battles.
4. LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS. BOSTON CELTICS (BASKETBALL)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (Basketball) is currently the #4 Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time winning 55.0% head-to-head battles.
5. GREEN BAY PACKERS VS. CHICAGO BEARS (FOOTBALL)
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (Football) is currently the #5 Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time winning 48.9% head-to-head battles.
6. DUKE VS. NORTH CAROLINA (BASKETBALL)
Duke vs. North Carolina (Basketball) is currently the #6 Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time winning 45.8% head-to-head battles.
7. REAL MADRID VS. BARCELONA (SOCCER)
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona (Soccer) is currently the #7 Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time winning 45.0% head-to-head battles.
8. AUBURN VS. ALABAMA (IRON BOWL – COLLEGE FOOTBALL)
Auburn vs. Alabama (Iron Bowl – College Football) is currently the #8 Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time winning 43.9% head-to-head battles.
9. MANCHESTER UNITED VS. LIVERPOOL (SOCCER)
Manchester United vs. Liverpool (Soccer) is currently the #9 Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time winning 43.3% head-to-head battles.
10. INDIA VS. PAKISTAN (CRICKET)
India vs. Pakistan (Cricket) is currently the #10 Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time winning 27.2% head-to-head battles.
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