A list of Newcastle rivals: Who are their greatest all-time rivals and why?

Newcastle rivals are an essential part of the club’s identity, creating a rich and complex history filled with passion and intense competition. The fervour and anticipation surrounding these fixtures transcend the boundaries of a typical football match, turning them into deeply emotional events for both the players and the fans.

These rivalries are built on historical conflicts, geographic proximity, and memorable on-pitch battles, contributing to the unique culture and atmosphere of Newcastle United. Jump into the article and discover Newcastle’s biggest rivals, exploring the top 10 opponents that have helped shape the identity and legacy of Newcastle United in English football.

Top 10 Newcastle rivals

These heated rivalries have forged unforgettable moments, with some of the most iconic matches in football history taking place when Newcastle faces its adversaries. Each rival brings a distinct flavour to the competition, from the fierce local derbies that divide families and friends to the high-stakes battles against the Premier League’s elite, showcasing the multifaceted nature of football rivalries.

10. West Ham United

The historic rivalry between Newcastle United and West Ham United has produced many memorable matches, dating back to their first clash in 1908. A significant highlight for Newcastle was in 1986, when they triumphed with a resounding 4-0 victory at Gallowgate, lifting them from the bottom of Division I and sparking a crucial revival to evade relegation.

In contrast, a remarkable and unusual match in east London saw Newcastle suffer an 8-1 defeat, with three different Toon goalkeepers taking the field due to injuries, showcasing the unpredictable nature of football. However, the rivalry took a dark turn in 1980 during a heated match at St James’ Park, when a petrol bomb was thrown inside the stadium, highlighting the intense emotions and high stakes involved in these fixtures.

9. Leeds United

For many years, particularly through the 70s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, clashes between these two clubs were considered some of the most anticipated fixtures of the season, regardless of the division they found themselves in. While Sunderland has always held the position of Newcastle’s primary rival, Leeds United was often seen as another significant adversary, especially for fans of a certain age who recall the intense battles and rivalry of past decades.

However, time has a way of changing perspectives, and for younger Newcastle supporters, the rivalry with Leeds might not hold the same weight. This shift in perspective underscores how time and league changes can alter the fabric of football rivalries, but for those who lived through the intense clashes of the past, the rivalry with Leeds United remains a vivid and passionate part of Newcastle United’s history.

8. Everton

Newcastle United and Everton’s rivalry, although not the fiercest, holds a unique space in English football history. When they meet, discussions among fans invariably revolve around which club has a more illustrious past, better fan base, or higher prestige. Over the past decade, Everton has often overshadowed Newcastle in the Premier League, finishing higher in most seasons, but the Magpies have shown flashes of brilliance with their Champions League appearances.

Financially, Newcastle has often exhibited higher potential, boasting superior home attendance and turnover numbers than their Merseyside rivals. Yet, both clubs have adopted a similar transfer approach, often selling star players, leading to fan frustrations and debates about club management intentions. As they renew their on-field battles, each match not only reflects their historical ties but also offers a glimpse into their contemporary footballing narratives.

7. Manchester City

Although not as intense as other rivalries, matches between Newcastle and Manchester City have grown in significance in recent years due to both team’s rise to prominence and ownership. Since Newcastle’s takeover, their matches have been highly competitive and filled with world-class talent, offering a spectacle for football fans.

Newcastle’s encounters with Manchester City represent a modern challenge as they face off against one of the Premier League’s powerhouses. The rivalry is a testament to Newcastle’s status in English football, as they regularly compete against the very best. They are set to become one of Newcastle’s biggest rivals in the Premier League.

6. Chelsea

Newcastle United’s rivalry with Chelsea has developed primarily in the Premier League era, characterised by a series of intense and memorable matches. The high stakes and dramatic moments in their fixtures have captured the imaginations of fans, solidifying this as a significant rivalry.

As two of the Premier League’s big spenders, matches between Newcastle and Chelsea are not just about the points – they are about pride and proving a point. This rivalry continues to grow with each passing season, adding to the tapestry of Newcastle’s footballing history.

5. Manchester United

For years, the Magpies languished in the shadow while the Red Devils enjoyed the spoils of success, but the tides are changing. With substantial investments and a clear vision, Newcastle has rekindled its flame of ambition, challenging the established hierarchy of the Premier League.

Now, as one of Newcastle’s rivals in the Premier League, get ready for thrilling episodes just like it was in the 90s. St James’ Park was a fortress, and Newcastle went toe-to-toe with Manchester United, playing an exhilarating brand of football that captured the imagination of fans nationwide.

4. Tottenham Hotspur

Recent encounters have seen a surge in intensity, as the Magpies and Spurs consistently deliver thrilling and closely contested matches. The rivalry is fueled by both teams’ aspirations to secure European football and establish themselves among the English football elite.

For Newcastle, these fixtures are an opportunity to prove their mettle and challenge a team that has become a regular fixture in the upper echelons of the league. As one of the biggest rivalries in football, it cements itself as a must-watch fixture in the Premier League calendar, promising passion, drama, and top-class football.

3. Liverpool

Are Liverpool and Newcastle rivals? They both share a storied rivalry, particularly highlighted during the thrilling Premier League matches of the 1990s. Though the geographical distance is vast, the intense support from both sets of fans ensures a fiery atmosphere whenever the two teams clash.

Memorable moments, such as the back-to-back 4-3 victories for Liverpool in the ’90s, have cemented this fixture in the annals of football history. In recent years, Newcastle’s resurgence has added a new layer of intrigue, promising to rekindle the competitive spirit that once defined their encounters.

Top 10 best soccer jerseys of all time ranked: Find out which is the best looking jersey ever

Football

2. Middlesbrough

The Tyne-Tees Derby, featuring Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, is one of English football’s biggest regional rivalries. The close geographic proximity of the two clubs fuels an intense competition, with bragging rights and local pride at stake.

Matches between Newcastle and Middlesbrough are fiercely contested and charged with emotion, encapsulating the essence of a true football rivalry. As Newcastle’s arch-rivals, Middlesbrough fixtures are circled on the calendar, with fans from both sides eagerly anticipating these high-stakes encounters.

1. Sunderland

Are Newcastle and Sunderland rivals? The rivalry between the two, known as the Tyne-Wear Derby, stands as the biggest rivalry in football for both sets of fans. The deep-rooted animosity and intense passion define this encounter, making it one of the most heated rivalries in English football.

As Newcastle’s biggest rivals in England and beyond, matches against Sunderland are about more than just football – they are a battle for supremacy and pride. The historical significance and intense atmosphere of the Tyne-Wear Derby have earned it a place at the pinnacle of football rivalries, showcasing the unwavering passion and dedication of the fans.

Newcastle's rivalries add a rich tapestry to the club’s history, providing fans with moments of joy, despair, and sheer passion. From local derbies to Premier League showdowns, these rivalries encapsulate the essence of football, demonstrating why the sport is loved by millions worldwide.

Sports Brief published an article about the all-time biggest football rivalries in the UK, one being the Merseyside derby, which also has the highest number of red cards. But which are the most prominent football rivalries in the UK?

Do you know why a boat is on the Manchester United and Manchester City logos? What happened between Arsenal and Tottenham in 1919? Click the above link to learn about England’s biggest rivals and oldest football rivalry in the UK!