7 BIG Football Rivalries That are Dying Fast

Summary

Football rivalries add intensity to the sport, with banter, fierce competition, and passionate fanbases. However, some once fiery rivalries are now fading due to shifting dynamics in clubs and leagues. The video explores seven major football rivalries that are losing their edge, including Arsenal vs Chelsea, Barcelona vs Espanyol, PSG vs Marseille, Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund, Juventus vs AC Milan, Fiorentina vs Juventus, and the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton. While the rivalries may still exist, the gap in success and changing team dynamics are making these matchups less exciting.

Takeaways

• 😀 Arsenal vs Chelsea rivalry has cooled down due to frequent player transfers between the two clubs, transforming them from rivals to 'sister clubs'.
• 😀 Barcelona vs Espanyol rivalry is fading because of Barcelona's dominance and the decline of Espanyol, with Barcelona even poaching their best players.
• 😀 Le Classique between PSG and Olympique Marseille has become one-sided after QSI's takeover of PSG, making Marseille’s challenge almost irrelevant.
• 😀 Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund rivalry is weakening as Bayern dominates the Bundesliga, and Dortmund continually lose their best players to Bayern.
• 😀 The overall trend in German football is a monopoly by Bayern Munich, with other clubs like RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen struggling to compete due to player and coach poaching.
• 😀 Juventus vs AC Milan rivalry has lost its intensity as both clubs are no longer major contenders for top trophies in Italy and Europe.
• 😀 Fiorentina vs Juventus rivalry has been dying for years, especially after Fiorentina’s financial struggles and brief period of non-existence.
• 😀 Everton vs Liverpool's Merseyside derby is suffering due to the huge disparity in success between the two clubs, with Everton struggling in relegation battles while Liverpool wins trophies.
• 😀 The weakening of rivalries is often due to one-sided dominance, where the stronger team continues to win and even poach the rival's best players.
• 😀 Football rivalries need competitiveness and high stakes to stay alive, but when one team consistently outperforms the other, the rivalry loses its intensity.

Q & A

Why are football rivalries important in the sport?

Football rivalries add excitement and intensity to matches. The banter, tension, and sometimes even fights between players elevate the stakes, making these games more thrilling to watch. These rivalries often have deep historical roots, and the drama surrounding them keeps fans engaged.

What are some of the most well-known football rivalries that have stood the test of time?

Some of the most famous and enduring football rivalries include El Clásico (Barcelona vs. Real Madrid), the Old Firm (Celtic vs. Rangers), and the Superclásico (Boca Juniors vs. River Plate). These rivalries have maintained their heat and intensity for decades.

Which football rivalry is discussed as having faded in recent years due to the business dealings between the clubs?

The rivalry between Arsenal and Chelsea has significantly faded in recent years. The frequent transfers of players between the clubs, such as Petr Čech, Willian, and David Luiz, have softened the competitive edge that once defined the rivalry.

Why has the Barcelona vs. Espanyol rivalry lost its intensity?

The rivalry between Barcelona and Espanyol has diminished due to Espanyol's decline as a competitive force. Barcelona's consistent dominance over Espanyol, including winning La Liga on Espanyol's own ground in 2025, has made the Catalan derby less exciting and one-sided.

What has caused the rivalry between PSG and Olympique Marseille to fade?

The rivalry between PSG and Olympique Marseille has lost its edge due to PSG's dominance in Ligue 1, especially after their purchase by QSI. PSG’s strong performances, including an unbeaten run against Marseille and their success in the Champions League, have weakened the intensity of this once fierce rivalry.

How has Bayern Munich's dominance affected rivalries in the Bundesliga?

Bayern Munich's dominance in the Bundesliga, partly due to their habit of buying top players from rivals like Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, has made it difficult for other teams to build competitive rivalries. The league has become more of a monopoly, with Bayern regularly winning titles and weakening the competition.

What is the state of the Juventus vs. AC Milan rivalry?

The rivalry between Juventus and AC Milan has cooled significantly, as both clubs have declined in recent years. The two clubs no longer compete for major trophies, which has diminished the intensity of their encounters. Once fierce rivals, they now seem more like old friends with little to prove.

Why has the Fiorentina vs. Juventus rivalry faded over time?

The Fiorentina vs. Juventus rivalry has weakened largely due to the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs. While Juventus enjoyed long-term success, Fiorentina went through financial crises and even ceased to exist for a time. The rivalry, once intense, has lost its relevance in the modern era.

What is the current status of the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton?

The Merseyside derby is suffering from a widening gap in success between the two clubs. Liverpool has achieved significant success, including winning the Premier League, while Everton has struggled with relegation battles. This imbalance has reduced the intensity of the rivalry, although sparks still fly when they meet.

What does the presenter suggest could revive the Merseyside derby rivalry?

The presenter believes that if Everton can improve and challenge for higher positions in the league, a manager like David Moyes could help bring the competitive edge back to the Merseyside derby, potentially revitalizing the rivalry.