Top 10 Footballers With the Most Red Cards in History (2025 Updated)

Footballers With the Most Red Cards often demonstrate just how physically demanding and aggressive football can be. The sport’s intensity, combined with competitive drive, frequently pushes players to the limits of the rules in order to gain an advantage over opponents. For certain positions, particularly defenders and defensive midfielders, physical contact and aggressive challenges are integral to their roles. However, when players exceed acceptable levels of aggression, referees issue red cards—the harshest form of punishment in football—highlighting the fine line between strategic play and disciplinary consequences.

What Is a Red Card in Football?

In football, a red card is the highest form of punishment a player can receive for violating the laws of the game. The moment a player is shown a red card, they must leave the field immediately, leaving their team one player down. The consequences are significant: a red card not only weakens a team tactically but also imposes a suspension, typically lasting one to three matches depending on the severity of the offense.

The red card was introduced in the 1960s by English referee Ken Aston, inspired by traffic lights where red indicates “stop.” Similarly, in football, a red card stops a player from participating further in the match. Understanding the role of red cards is essential to appreciate the careers of the Footballers With the Most Red Cards, as it highlights the fine line between tactical aggression and dangerous play. Players on this list demonstrate both the physicality required for top-level football and the consequences that accompany crossing that line.

This article explores the top Footballers With the Most Red Cards, analyzing their careers, playing styles, and the circumstances that led to frequent send-offs.

10. Fernando Amorebieta

Fernando Amorebieta, a towering 6’4” Venezuelan defender, was known for his formidable presence and aggressive style of play. Most of his career was spent at Athletic Bilbao, where he earned 19 red cards across 398 appearances. His physicality and intensity made him a challenging opponent for attackers. Amorebieta’s most memorable red card occurred in the Basque derby against Real Sociedad, demonstrating the high-stakes pressure and intensity that can lead to sending-offs among top Footballers With the Most Red Cards.

Appearances	Yellow Cards	Red Cards	Club	Country
398	142	19	Athletic Bilbao	Venezuela

9. Rafael Márquez

Rafael Márquez, also known as “El Kaiser”, was one of Mexico’s most accomplished defenders. His aggressive approach earned him 19 red cards in 630 appearances. Márquez played for clubs such as Barcelona and Monaco, winning multiple La Liga and Champions League titles. Despite his disciplinary record, he was revered as a team leader and strategic defender, a hallmark of top Footballers With the Most Red Cards who combined aggression with high-level tactical skill.

Appearances	Yellow Cards	Red Cards	Club	Country
630	150	19	Barcelona	Mexico

8. Gerardo Torrado

Mexican midfielder Gerardo Torrado was known for his tenacity and fiery temperament. Playing in three World Cups, he accumulated 20 red cards and 212 yellow cards across his career. Torrado’s aggressive style often led to disciplinary issues but also made him a vital enforcer in midfield battles, illustrating how Footballers With the Most Red Cards can impact matches despite frequent send-offs.

Appearances	Yellow Cards	Red Cards	Club	Country
589	212	20	Azul	Mexico

7. Matteo Contini

Italian defender Matteo Contini earned a reputation for aggressive challenges and frequent disputes with referees. Across 534 appearances, he received 21 red cards, making him one of the most carded defenders in Italy. His playing style epitomizes the risks taken by Footballers With the Most Red Cards, balancing defensive effectiveness with potential disciplinary consequences.

Appearances	Yellow Cards	Red Cards	Club	Country
534	164	21	AC Milan	Italy

6. Cyril Rool

French midfielder Cyril Rool was notorious for his combative style. Over 443 appearances, he accumulated 22 red cards and 177 yellow cards, including an infamous sending-off for obscene gestures toward the opposition bench. His career exemplifies the physical intensity that defines Footballers With the Most Red Cards.

Appearances	Yellow Cards	Red Cards	Club	Country
443	177	22	Various	France

5. Edgar Davids

Nicknamed “Pit Bull”, Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids was equally skilled and aggressive. Across 581 appearances, he received 22 red cards, demonstrating that elite midfielders can be both technically brilliant and highly combative, a characteristic seen in many Footballers With the Most Red Cards.

Appearances	Yellow Cards	Red Cards	Club	Country
581	107	22	Juventus	Netherlands

4. Paolo Montero

Uruguayan defender Paolo Montero was widely regarded as one of the toughest players in Serie A. Across 436 appearances, he earned 23 red cards, including consecutive send-offs for headbutting opponents. Montero’s style illustrates how Footballers With the Most Red Cards often walk the line between skillful defense and dangerous aggression.

Appearances	Yellow Cards	Red Cards	Club	Country
436	70	23	Juventus	Uruguay

3. Felipe Melo

Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo is famous for his fiery temperament and aggressive tackling. Across 804 appearances, he accumulated 26 red cards and 258 yellow cards. Melo’s playing style combined defensive skill with a willingness to challenge opponents physically, epitomizing the profile of Footballers With the Most Red Cards.

Appearances	Yellow Cards	Red Cards	Club	Country
804	258	26	Multiple	Brazil

2. Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos, Spain’s legendary defender, is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of all time. However, his reckless and passionate style led to 30 red cards across 825 appearances. Ramos’ record highlights the duality of top Footballers With the Most Red Cards—world-class defenders who sometimes overstep boundaries in pursuit of victory.

Appearances	Yellow Cards	Red Cards	Club	Country
825	244	30	Real Madrid	Spain

1. Gerardo Bedoya

Colombian defensive midfielder Gerardo Bedoya holds the record as the Footballer With the Most Red Cards in history, with 46 over 319 appearances. Known for his temper and physical tackles, Bedoya earned a 15-game suspension in 2012 after a violent incident during the Bogotá derby. His career stands as a testament to the extreme aggression and disciplinary challenges faced by the most carded footballers.

Player	Appearances	Yellow Cards	Red Cards	Club	Country
Gerardo Bedoya	319	118	46	Retired	Colombia

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