Explore the top Dutch football derbies ranked by intensity, history, and passion. Discover how these iconic matchups shape the identity of the Eredivisie league.
Ranking the Best Derbies in Dutch Football
When we think of football rivalries, names like El Clásico or the North London Derby might come to mind. But in the Netherlands, derby days ignite cities with just as much passion, history, and local pride. Dutch football, often praised for its technical brilliance and player development, is also home to some of the most underrated yet deeply intense derbies in Europe.
From bitter city rivalries to historical political tensions, the Eredivisie is packed with fixtures that go far beyond football. This article dives deep into the most heated matchups and ranks the best derbies in Dutch PG Soft Malaysia, based on fan culture, historical relevance, and on-pitch drama.
1. De Klassieker – Ajax vs Feyenoord
- Cities: Amsterdam vs Rotterdam
- First Played: 1921
- Nickname: De Klassieker (The Classic)
Without question, De Klassieker is the most iconic Dutch derby. It pits two of the country’s biggest and most successful clubs—Ajax and Feyenoord—against each other in a battle that’s part football, part social commentary.
Why It’s #1:
- Fierce rivalry between Amsterdam’s cosmopolitan image and Rotterdam’s working-class grit.
- Regular title-deciders.
- Intense fan culture, often spilling over into chaos and political symbolism.
2. De IJsselderby – Go Ahead Eagles vs PEC Zwolle
- Region: Overijssel Province
- First Played: 1929
Named after the IJssel River that separates the cities of Deventer and Zwolle, this derby is a clash of local pride. The matches may not always grab international headlines, but they are some of the most hot-blooded fixtures in Dutch football.
Why It’s #2:
- Brutally contested with real local hostility.
- Packed stadiums despite both clubs often being outside the top tier.
- Fierce pride and traditions passed down generations.
3. Rotterdam Derby – Feyenoord vs Sparta Rotterdam / Excelsior
- City: Rotterdam
- Clubs Involved: Feyenoord, Sparta Rotterdam, Excelsior
While Feyenoord is the most dominant of the three, clashes with Sparta or Excelsior are true city derbies, brimming with bragging rights. Matches are always emotional, with fans from different parts of the same city battling for supremacy.
Why It’s #3:
- City pride and long-standing history.
- Derby feel even if mismatched in quality.
- Local schools, bars, and families split by club loyalties.
4. North Derby – FC Groningen vs SC Heerenveen
- Region: Northern Netherlands
This derby features the two most prominent northern clubs in the country. Though it lacks the national spotlight, it is filled with regional pride and tension.
Why It’s #4:
- A true north-south divide within the northern part of the country.
- Emerging talent on both sides adds footballing quality.
- One of the friendlier but competitive derbies.
5. Brabant Derby – PSV Eindhoven vs NAC Breda / Willem II / RKC Waalwijk
- Province: North Brabant
PSV dominates in silverware, but matches against other Brabant clubs are marked by historical animosity and local pride.
Why It’s #5:
- Strong regional competition and flair.
- Unpredictable, sometimes explosive matches.
- Local passion outweighs national attention.
6. Twentse Derby – FC Twente vs Heracles Almelo
- Region: Twente, Eastern Netherlands
Not the oldest, but arguably one of the most emotionally charged derbies due to proximity and recent competitiveness.
Why It’s #6:
- Twente’s large fanbase adds heat to the atmosphere.
- Heracles often plays the underdog but upsets are not rare.
- Increasingly important in recent Eredivisie seasons.
7. Achterhoek Derby – De Graafschap vs Vitesse
- Region: Gelderland
Though Vitesse often plays in the top tier and De Graafschap hovers between divisions, their matchups in the KNVB Cup or promotion playoffs have historic flavor and intense local followings.
Why It’s #7:
- Small-town vs city dynamic.
- Electrifying in the lower-league context.
- Often viewed as a clash between football ideologies.
What Makes Dutch Derbies Unique?
Unlike some leagues where money has diluted rivalry intensity, Dutch football’s community-based clubs and passionate fan bases preserve a sense of authentic rivalry. Many of these derbies:
- Reflect socio-economic and cultural divides
- Have political or religious undertones
- Involve fan protests, tifos, and choreographed displays that rival any in Europe
This connection between club and community ensures that derby day in the league always feels personal.
How Eredivisie Derbies Compare Globally
| Derby | Intensity | Fan Culture | National Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| De Klassieker | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 👏👏👏👏👏 | 🇳🇱🇳🇱🇳🇱🇳🇱🇳🇱 |
| IJsselderby | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 👏👏👏👏 | 🇳🇱🇳🇱 |
| Rotterdam Derby | 🔥🔥🔥 | 👏👏👏 | 🇳🇱🇳🇱🇳🇱 |
| Brabant Derby | 🔥🔥🔥 | 👏👏👏 | 🇳🇱🇳🇱 |
| Twentse Derby | 🔥🔥🔥 | 👏👏👏 | 🇳🇱 |
Conclusion: More Than Just Matches
Dutch football derbies are not just 90-minute spectacles—they’re narratives rooted in identity, geography, and loyalty. In a league built on tradition, community, and tactical innovation, derby day is where emotions erupt, fans unite (or divide), and history is written.
Whether it’s the thunder of De Klassieker or the regional warfare of the IJsselderby, these matchups are a testament to why Dutch football continues to thrive with authenticity.
⚽ Celebrate Dutch Passion — Support the League
These derbies are the heartbeat of the Eredivisie. If you love football with real emotion, deep-rooted rivalries, and stadiums alive with song, it’s time to support the league where the passion of the game still lives. Follow the clubs, join the stories, and celebrate the beauty of the league through every unforgettable derby.