When Teammates Turn to Foes: 7 Shocking Fights Between Footballers on the Same Team

Teamwork makes the dream work. That’s the mantra, right? Well, not always. Sometimes, the fiery passion that fuels great performances on the field spills over into full-blown brawls, not with opponents but between teammates. 

These incidents are rare but unforgettable, leaving fans gobsmacked and rival supporters gleeful. Let’s delve into some of the most dramatic moments when teammates turned rivals, even if only briefly.

1. Lee Bowyer vs. Kieron Dyer (Newcastle United, 2005)

Newcastle United’s English Premier League clash with Aston Villa in 2005 was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer, frustrated after a series of miscommunications, decided to settle their differences with fists rather than words. Right there on the pitch, punches flew, and shirts were pulled in what looked more like a WWE audition than a football match. The referee had no choice but to send both players off, leaving Newcastle to finish with nine men. In the post-match interview, manager Graeme Souness summed it up: “What can you say? It’s madness.” Both players apologized publicly, but the memes live on.

2. Franck Ribéry vs. Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich, 2012)

Even champions have their moments of discord. In a UEFA Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben argued over who should take a free kick. The disagreement carried into the locker room, where Ribéry reportedly landed a punch on Robben. The fallout? Ribéry was fined €50,000, but the duo later reconciled to help Bayern secure a historic treble in 2013. Talk about a happy ending!

3. Emmanuel Adebayor vs. Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal, 2008)

The League Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur was tense, and tensions boiled over between Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner. After a verbal spat during the match, Adebayor headbutted Bendtner, leaving the latter with a bloody nose. Cameras captured the clash, and the incident became fodder for Arsenal’s critics. While the players moved past it, fans still joke about the “Battle of the Emirates.”

4. Neymar vs. Nelson Semedo (Barcelona, 2017)

Training sessions are supposed to foster camaraderie, but for Neymar and Nelson Semedo, a session in Miami turned into a spectacle. After a contentious challenge, Neymar squared up to Semedo before storming off the pitch and ripping off his bib. The incident happened just weeks before Neymar’s record-breaking move to PSG, leading many to speculate that tensions within the squad had boiled over.

5. Carlos Zambrano vs. Michael Barrett (Chicago Cubs, 2007)

Baseball isn’t immune to teammate scuffles either. Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano and catcher Michael Barrett clashed in the dugout after a poor inning. Words escalated to punches, and Barrett ended up needing stitches. The incident highlighted the frustrations of a struggling team, but both players publicly patched things up later.

6. Victor Boniface vs. Emiliano Buendía (Bayer Leverkusen, 2025)

In a recent Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt, Victor Boniface and Emiliano Buendía let their competitive spirits get the better of them. A miscommunication during an attacking play led to a heated on-field exchange. Teammates had to intervene to keep things from escalating further. While Boniface and Buendía downplayed the incident afterward, it’s a reminder that even in the most professional environments, tempers can flare.

7. Steve Smith vs. Ken Lucas (Carolina Panthers, 2008)

American football has seen its share of clashes too. During a training camp, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith punched cornerback Ken Lucas, breaking his nose. The incident led to a suspension for Smith, but the two later reconciled. It’s a testament to the physical and emotional intensity of the sport.

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