London is the undisputed football capital of England, home to more professional clubs than any other city in the world. With so many teams packed into one metropolitan area, a common question from fans is:
How many London derbies are there?
The answer depends on how broadly you define a “London derby.” Below is a full breakdown — from the mathematical total to the rivalries that truly matter to supporters.
What Is a London Derby?
A London derby is any competitive football match played between two clubs based in Greater London. These fixtures are often charged with:
- Local pride
- Historical tension
- Geographical proximity
- Fan culture and identity
However, not all London derbies carry the same weight.
Total Number of London Derbies (All-Time)
London currently has 17 professional clubs across the Premier League and English Football League.
Using basic combinatorics:
17 clubs → 136 unique London derby pairings
This figure represents every possible matchup between two London-based teams, regardless of division.
Key point:
This number is theoretical. Many of these fixtures rarely (or never) happen due to clubs playing in different tiers.
Major London Derbies (What Fans Usually Mean)
When supporters talk about “London derbies,” they are usually referring to historic, high-intensity rivalries — not every possible pairing.
The Most Famous London Derbies
North London Derby
- Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
- One of the fiercest rivalries in world football
- Defined by geography, history, and trophies
Chelsea Rivalries
- Chelsea vs Arsenal
- Chelsea vs Tottenham
- Chelsea vs Fulham
- Chelsea vs Brentford
East London Derby
- West Ham United vs Millwall
- Known for deep-rooted historical and cultural tension
South London Derbies
- Crystal Palace vs Millwall
- Crystal Palace vs Charlton Athletic
- Millwall vs Charlton Athletic
- AFC Wimbledon involved in modern South London rivalries
West London Derbies
- Fulham vs Brentford
- QPR vs Chelsea
- QPR vs Fulham
How Many “Real” London Derbies Are There?
Depending on how strict you are, most football historians and fans agree on:
- 10–15 major London derbies that carry genuine rivalry
- These are the fixtures with history, hostility, and meaning
London Derbies by Direction
London derbies are often grouped geographically:
- North London: Arsenal, Tottenham
- West London: Chelsea, Fulham, Brentford, QPR
- East London: West Ham, Millwall, Leyton Orient
- South London: Crystal Palace, Millwall, Charlton, AFC Wimbledon
These regional identities are a huge part of why London derbies feel different from rivalries elsewhere in England.
Do London Derby Numbers Change Each Season?
Yes. The actual number of London derbies played in a season depends on:
- Promotion and relegation
- Cup draws (FA Cup, EFL Cup)
- European competitions (occasionally)
For example, a Premier League season with six London clubs produces 15 London derby matchups in the league alone.
Final Answer: How Many London Derbies Are There?
Quick summary:
- 136 possible London derby pairings (all London clubs)
- ~10–15 widely recognized major rivalries
- Seasonal totals vary based on divisions and competitions
London doesn’t just have derbies — it has layers of them, making it one of the most rivalry-dense football cities on the planet.