The return of real derbies: HSV and Cologne are heating up the Bundesliga!
Find out everything about the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, the return of 1. FC Köln and exciting derbies in Germany.

The return of real derbies: HSV and Cologne are heating up the Bundesliga!
Football is undoubtedly one of the most passionate sports and in Germany derbies have a special meaning. There is good news in the coming 2025/26 Bundesliga season: Hamburger SV and 1. FC Köln have freed themselves from the second division, which paves the way for a real derby in the Bundesliga. The fans can already look forward to the exciting duels, especially the eagerly awaited derby between St. Pauli and HSV. How freitag.de reports, real derbies are few and far between in Germany, as there is often only one dominant club.
The Bundesliga has a long history of rivalry encounters, with some games captivating fans for decades. Historical derbies such as Bayern against 1860 Munich, 1. FC Cologne against Fortuna Cologne and Hertha against Tasmania Berlin are among the classic football encounters. Loud bundesliga.com The most prestigious derbies include the “classic” between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund and the famous Revierderby between Dortmund and Schalke.
Derbies in Germany: A passionate rivalry
The term “derby” has its origins in English and refers to a game between two rival teams from the same region. These games are more than just sporting events; They are characterized by a high emotional intensity and meaning for the fans, like kicker.de determines. An excellent example of this is the Revierderby, which is considered the most famous German derby. Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 meet here - two teams whose fan groups have made a name for themselves with derogatory nicknames over the years.
We can always observe new challenges and rivalries. The possibility of a future derby in Leipzig between Rasenballsport, Lok Leipzig and BSG Chemie could unleash emerging energies and passionate fan movements. The tension in the previous encounters already suggests that football in Germany is more than just a game; it's about identity, fan passion and the constant search for sporting superiority.
The most famous derbies at a glance
| Derby | teams | First game | Last game | Bundesliga matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The classic | Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund | October 16, 1965 | March 30, 2024 | 110 |
| Revierderby | Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke | May 3, 1925 | March 11, 2023 | 100 |
| Rhinederby | 1. FC Cologne vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach | January 1, 1962 | March 9, 2024 | 98 |
| North derby | Hamburger SV vs. Werder Bremen | March 13, 1927 | February 27, 2022 | 108 |
The home games of these derbies always bring additional excitement and unforgettable moments. Whether in the stadium or in front of the television, the spectators are excited and show which team they support. In contrast to other international rivalries, which are often characterized by long-standing traditions, the German football landscape is subject to constant change. The associated derbies are often described as inflationary, but the passion of the fans remains essential over the years.
The 2025/26 Bundesliga season will undoubtedly offer some exciting derbies and anticipation is already growing. The return of 1. FC Köln and Hamburger SV to the top German league promises an exciting year full of exciting encounters.