The 5 Biggest Rivals of Celtic FC Ranked
Celtic FC, one of the most iconic football clubs in Scotland and the world, has built its legacy not just through trophies but also through its fierce rivalries. The biggest rivals of Celtic FC have shaped the club’s history, fueling unforgettable matches and intense competition both domestically and internationally. These rivalries go beyond the pitch, reflecting deep-rooted cultural and historical divides.
In this article, we rank the biggest rivals of Celtic FC, delving into the reasons behind the animosity and the significance of these encounters.
5. Aberdeen FC
The rivalry with Aberdeen gained prominence in the 1980s when Alex Ferguson’s Dons broke the Old Firm’s dominance, challenging both Celtic and Rangers for supremacy in Scottish football.
While Aberdeen’s challenge has waned in recent years, their matches with Celtic remain highly competitive, particularly in league clashes and cup finals.
4. Heart of Midlothian (Hearts)
Hearts have long been a competitive force in Scottish football, and their ambition to challenge Celtic’s dominance has led to a spirited rivalry. Edinburgh’s rivalry with Glasgow also plays a role in heightening the stakes.
Clashes between Celtic and Hearts, particularly in cup competitions, are known for their intensity and competitiveness, earning Hearts a place among the biggest rivals of Celtic FC.
3. Hamburg SV
The connection between Celtic and Hamburg’s rivalry lies in the German club’s strong fan relationship with Rangers, Celtic’s archrivals. Encounters in European competitions have further fueled this animosity.
Although matches are rare, the symbolic nature of this rivalry adds significant tension, with Hamburg considered a stand-in for Celtic’s biggest rivals, Rangers, on the international stage.
2. Linfield FC
This rivalry extends beyond the pitch, stemming from Celtic’s Irish Catholic heritage and Linfield’s Protestant Unionist affiliations in Northern Ireland. The sectarian undertones mirror those of the Old Firm Derby, adding an extra layer of intensity.
While Celtic and Linfield rarely face each other due to playing in different leagues, their encounters in European competitions bring out the cultural tensions, making Linfield one of the biggest rivals of Celtic FC in a broader sense.
1. Rangers FC
The Old Firm (which Celtic fans believe died in 2012) is universally regarded as one of the most intense and historic rivalries in football. Celtic’s Irish Catholic heritage contrasts sharply with Rangers’ Protestant Unionist identity, fueling a deeply rooted cultural and political divide.
These matches are not just about bragging rights; they often decide the fate of the Scottish Premiership title. The Old Firm remains the most iconic and fiercely contested rivalry in Celtic’s history, epitomizing the term “biggest rivals of Celtic FC.”
Celtic FC’s rivalries transcend football, often reflecting broader social and cultural narratives. Whether it’s the domestic battles against Rangers and Aberdeen or the politically charged encounters with Linfield and Hamburg, these rivalries define what it means to compete at the highest level for Celtic.
Checkout: 10 Greatest Celtic FC Players Ever