Who are West Ham United’s biggest rivals? The Hammers’ top five fiercest football rivalries

West Ham United are a club with a very clear sense of identity, and that has inevitably created plenty of rivalries over the years.

Based in east London, the Hammers have traditionally had plenty of local enemies, while their passionate support has helped make several fixtures particularly hostile.

The intensity varies considerably between those rivalries. Millwall are the obvious number one when it comes to history and outright animosity, while Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal provide three more significant London derbies. Manchester United also feature, although that rivalry is more sporting than geographical.

FootballGroundGuide takes a look at the five fiercest football rivalries involving the Hammers.

Millwall

There can be little argument that Millwall are West Ham's biggest rivals.

The two clubs were founded less than three miles apart in east London and first met in the 1899-1900 FA Cup, with the rivalry originally known as the Dockers Derby because supporters on both sides predominantly worked on the River Thames.

Although both clubs subsequently moved, their grounds have remained relatively close and the hostility has barely diminished. The two sets of supporters have historically considered the other their main enemy, with a long-running rivalry between their respective hooligan firms adding an especially unpleasant edge.

The 2009 Upton Park riot remains one of the most infamous meetings, with widespread disorder around the game and a Millwall supporter stabbed before kick-off.

West Ham and Millwall are again in the same division in 2026-27, meaning one of English football's most notorious rivalries has the chance to become a regular fixture once more.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur are another major London rival, with Spurs and West Ham separated by only around five miles.

The rivalry has grown in importance as the two clubs have spent increasing amounts of time competing in the Premier League, often for similar positions and European qualification.

For West Ham supporters, Tottenham have become one of their most significant Premier League enemies, while Spurs fans tend to place the Hammers behind Arsenal and Chelsea. The imbalance in how each fanbase views the rivalry has not stopped the matches from becoming increasingly competitive.

There have also been plenty of links between the clubs, with players including Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe and Scott Parker moving from east London to Tottenham.

Harry Redknapp's appointment as Spurs manager after managing West Ham added another layer, while the London Stadium move and the clubs' regular meetings have ensured the derby remains a major date on the calendar.

Chelsea

Chelsea are another London rival, although the rivalry with West Ham is perhaps as much about contrasting identities as geography.

West Ham's east London, working-class heritage sits against Chelsea's long-established association with west London and the more affluent parts of the capital.

That has created plenty of needle between the supporters, while both clubs have regularly crossed paths in the top flight and domestic cup competitions. One of the standout meetings came in the 1964 FA Cup final, when West Ham won 3-2 to lift the trophy.

Chelsea's transformation into one of English football's financial powerhouses has added another dimension in the modern era.

West Ham have regularly attempted to compete with clubs possessing significantly greater resources, making victories over Chelsea all the more satisfying for the Hammers faithful.

Arsenal

Arsenal are another natural rival for West Ham due to their geographical proximity and the wider competition between London clubs.

The Hammers' east London identity and Arsenal's north London base give this fixture an obvious regional edge, even if neither considers the other their most hated opponent.

The clubs have spent much of their histories competing in the same English divisions, meaning this is a fixture with considerably more history than a simple modern Premier League meeting. With both teams boasting large and passionate followings, games can quickly develop an atmosphere well beyond an ordinary league fixture.

Arsenal have generally had the stronger record in recent decades, but West Ham have regularly caused problems for the Gunners.

The fixture remains particularly important because it gives the Hammers another opportunity to claim bragging rights over one of London's biggest clubs.

Manchester United

Manchester United do not share the same deep-rooted rivalry with West Ham as the four London clubs above, but the fixture has still developed plenty of importance over the years.

It is largely driven by competitive football rather than geography, with United's stature making victories against them particularly valuable to the Hammers.

A survey of supporters placed United as West Ham's fourth-biggest rival, while Red Devils fans ranked West Ham sixth among their rivals. That disparity underlines the nature of the relationship: it matters considerably more to the Hammers than it does to United.

The two clubs have nevertheless produced plenty of memorable encounters in the Premier League and FA Cup, and West Ham supporters have often relished the chance to upset one of English football's traditional superpowers.

It may not carry the visceral hatred of Millwall, but Manchester United remain an important opponent in West Ham's rivalry map.