The ten best individual rivalries in sports history showcase fierce competition and dramatic moments that have captivated fans across generations. Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes are set to reignite their rivalry when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game this Sunday. This clash marks the fourth playoff encounter between the two quarterbacks, solidifying their status as the premier quarterback rivalry of the decade.
Their previous three playoff matchups have been thrilling, particularly during the 2021 AFC divisional-round game, where both quarterbacks delivered near-flawless performances. However, Mahomes’ incredible 13-second drive that forced overtime, followed by a game-winning touchdown pass, gave him the upper hand against Allen.
In their most recent postseason meeting in 2023, Mahomes again emerged victorious, maintaining a perfect 3-0 record against Allen in playoff games. Conversely, Allen has dominated their regular-season matchups, boasting a 4-1 record, with his latest victory occurring in November 2024, when he led the Bills to a win over the Chiefs—Mahomes’ only regular-season loss during that campaign.
While the Allen-Mahomes rivalry is compelling, it is merely one of many iconic rivalries that have energized the sports world. The intensity of these matchups often leaves a lasting impact, and they are frequently discussed among fans and analysts alike.
Now, let’s examine some of the most significant individual rivalries in sports history that have defined their respective games.
Stephen Curry and LeBron James emerged as unexpected rivals during the mid-2010s, with Curry leading the Golden State Warriors to prominence and James consistently bringing his teams to the NBA Finals from 2011 to 2018. This rivalry culminated in four consecutive NBA Finals matchups, where each player showcased their extraordinary skills on the biggest stage.
Curry struck first in this rivalry, guiding the Warriors to victory over a wounded Cleveland Cavaliers team in the 2015 Finals. However, James delivered a stunning comeback the following year, leading the Cavaliers from a 3-1 series deficit to clinch the championship—a feat never before accomplished in NBA history.
Despite the Warriors’ acquisition of Kevin Durant in 2016, the rivalry endured, with James delivering memorable performances in the Finals, even in defeat. Their relationship evolved over time, culminating in their collaboration during the 2024 Summer Olympics where they led Team USA to gold, further solidifying their legacy in basketball history.
In hockey, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby became the faces of the NHL after being drafted first overall in consecutive years (2004-05). Their rivalry was fueled by their teams’ proximity in the standings, leading to intense matchups over the years.
The two superstars faced off in the playoffs four times, with their first encounter in 2009 showcasing both players scoring hat tricks in a single game. Crosby’s Penguins triumphed in that series, but subsequent playoff battles saw the Penguins continue their success against the Capitals until Ovechkin finally broke through in 2018, helping his team secure the Stanley Cup.
8. Chris Evert vs. Martina Navratilova
Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova are recognized as two of the greatest tennis players, with their rivalry spanning 80 matches. The series was nearly even, with Navratilova holding a slight advantage of 43–37, including 14 wins in their 22 Grand Slam encounters.
Evert initially led the rivalry, winning the first three Grand Slam matches, but Navratilova surged ahead, claiming nine of the next eleven Grand Slam matches, often in championship settings. Their most memorable clash occurred at the 1985 French Open, widely regarded as one of the finest matches in women’s tennis history, where Evert triumphed in a thrilling three-set battle.
7. Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning
The rivalry between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning set the stage for future quarterback matchups. Both players began their careers as division rivals in the AFC East, with Brady winning their first encounter in 2001.
As their careers progressed, they emerged as the best quarterbacks of their era. Manning achieved co-MVP honors in 2003 but fell short against Brady in the AFC Championship Game. The rivalry intensified with Manning’s 2006 comeback victory over Brady in the conference title game, leading to his first Super Bowl win.
6. Wayne Gretzky vs. Mario Lemieux
Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux defined hockey in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although they never faced each other in the playoffs, both players dominated the scoring charts, with Gretzky often regarded as the greatest player in NHL history.
Lemieux’s ability to challenge Gretzky’s scoring prowess led to memorable seasons, including multiple scoring titles. While Gretzky holds numerous records, Lemieux’s points-per-game average remains a testament to his elite skill level.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal faced off 40 times, with Nadal winning 24 matches, including 10 out of their 14 Grand Slam meetings. Their rivalry was characterized by contrasting playing styles, with Nadal excelling on clay and Federer on grass.
Remarkably, they faced each other in the finals of prestigious tournaments, including the French Open and Wimbledon, with their 2008 Wimbledon final being one of the greatest matches in tennis history, going to five sets and nearly five hours.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, while never facing each other in international tournaments, became fierce competitors during their time at Barcelona and Real Madrid. Their 37 matches against each other resulted in 23 goals apiece, with Messi’s teams enjoying a slight edge in overall matchups, including a decisive victory in the 2008 Champions League final.
3. Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier
The rivalry between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier is legendary, featuring three of the most significant boxing matches in history. Their first encounter in 1971 was billed as the “Fight of the Century,” with Frazier winning by unanimous decision, setting the stage for future bouts.
Ali avenged that loss in 1974, winning by unanimous decision in a closely contested rematch. Their final showdown in 1975, known as the “Thrilla in Manila,” is remembered for its intensity, with Ali emerging victorious after Frazier’s corner decided to stop the fight.
2. Bill Russell vs. Wilt Chamberlain
Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain defined basketball in the 1960s, dominating MVP voting while leading their respective teams to championships. They accounted for eight of the nine MVP awards from 1959 to 1968, highlighting their elite status in the sport.
In the playoffs, Russell’s Celtics consistently triumphed over Chamberlain’s teams, winning the first five postseason matchups. However, Chamberlain finally broke through in 1967, ending Russell’s eight-year title streak. Russell ultimately got the last laugh, leading the Celtics to victory in the 1969 Finals, marking the end of an era.
1. Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson
The rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson transcended sports, captivating fans throughout the 1980s. Their competitive spirit began in college, where Johnson’s Michigan State defeated Bird’s Indiana State in the 1979 national championship.
As they entered the NBA, their rivalry helped revitalize the league. They faced off in multiple NBA Finals, with Bird’s Celtics defeating Johnson’s Lakers in a thrilling seven-game series in 1984. The following year, Johnson led the Lakers to victory, and in 1987, he again triumphed over Bird, solidifying the rivalry’s intensity.
Despite their fierce competition, Bird and Johnson eventually formed a friendship, culminating in a memorable commercial filmed at Bird’s mother’s house, showcasing the respect they developed over the years.
