Sports rivalries are what make competition truly special. They transcend individual games and seasons, creating narratives that span generations. Here are the 20 greatest rivalries in sports history.
1. Yankees vs Red Sox (MLB)
The gold standard of American sports rivalries. From the Curse of the Bambino to Aaron Boone's home run to the 2004 ALCS comeback, this rivalry has produced some of the most dramatic moments in sports history.
2. Real Madrid vs Barcelona (Soccer)
El Clásico transcends sport. It's a clash of cultures, identities, and football philosophies that captivates billions of viewers worldwide.
3. Lakers vs Celtics (NBA)
The two most storied franchises in basketball have met in the NBA Finals 12 times. Magic vs Bird defined an era and saved the league.
4. Ohio State vs Michigan (College Football)
"The Game" is the most important rivalry in college football. Seasons are defined by the outcome of this annual November clash.
5. Packers vs Bears (NFL)
The oldest rivalry in the NFL dates back to 1921. It's a battle of Midwestern pride that never gets old.