The 15 Footballers with the Most Red Cards of All Time – Ranked

April 22, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Discipline has always been a crucial part of football, but some players just couldn’t resist crossing the line. Whether it was reckless tackles, moments of madness, or pure aggression, these players earned reputations as some of the dirtiest in the game.

We’ve taken a closer look at the 15 players with the most red cards in football history – ranked from the fewest to the most – and explored the stories behind their infamous dismissals.

15. Deividas Semberas – 17 red cards

Lithuanian center-back Deividas Semberas picked up 17 red cards during his tough-tackling career, most of them while playing in Russia for CSKA Moscow. In over 600 appearances, he managed more dismissals than goals—highlighting his reputation as a no-nonsense defender.

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14. Yannick Cahuzac – 19 red cards

A cult figure at Bastia, Yannick Cahuzac was sent off 19 times in his career. His aggressive approach saw him pick up three red cards in a single Ligue 1 season, despite captaining his side and being one of their most experienced players.

13. Gary Medel – 19 red cards

Nicknamed “The Pitbull,” Chilean enforcer Gary Medel collected red cards across several top leagues and on the international stage. One of his most infamous moments came in 2019, when both he and Lionel Messi were sent off in the Copa America third-place match.

12. Fernando Amorebieta – 20 red cards

The Venezuelan defender had a reputation for wild tackles and poor discipline. Amorebieta was even sent off for biting an opponent in Paraguay and once received a red card for a stamp during the Copa America.

11. Matteo Contini – 21 red cards

Italian defender Matteo Contini played for clubs like Parma and Napoli, collecting 21 red cards along the way. One of his most notorious send-offs came for elbowing Gonzalo Higuaín while playing in Spain.

10. Gerardo Torrado – 22 red cards

A veteran Mexican midfielder, Torrado featured at three World Cups and earned 146 caps for his country. His tough style resulted in 22 red cards, including a late dismissal in the 2001 Copa America final.

9. Alexis Ruano Delgado – 22 red cards

Spanish defender Alexis Delgado combined aerial power with a dangerous streak, ending his career with 22 reds. In one match, a clash with an opponent burst a vein in his testicle—illustrating the intensity of his battles on the pitch.

8. Cyril Rool – 22 red cards

Cyril Rool was a fierce French midfielder who might have played far more than 350 Ligue 1 games if not for his poor discipline. His total of 27 career red cards includes multiple suspensions for violent conduct.

7. Rafael Márquez – 22 red cards

Rafael Marquez — Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

A legend in Mexico, Rafael Márquez played for Barcelona and starred in five World Cups. Despite his quality, he was sent off 22 times, including a headbutt against the USA at the 2002 World Cup.

6. Paolo Montero – 23 red cards

Uruguayan defender Paolo Montero was a key figure in Juventus’ dominant 1990s side. He holds the record for most red cards in Serie A history, having received 16 in Italy alone.

5. Edgar Davids – 25 red cards

Known as “The Pitbull,” Dutch legend Edgar Davids earned 25 red cards during a fiery career that saw him win the Champions League with Ajax. He even picked up a red card in his final professional match—then immediately retired.

4. Felipe Melo – 26 red cards

Felipe Melo’s career was full of controversy and aggression, from World Cup red cards to recent incidents in Brazil. A master of karate kicks and off-the-ball altercations, Melo never strayed far from trouble.

3. Pablo Alfaro – 27 red cards

Spanish center-back Pablo Alfaro was notorious for early send-offs and dangerous challenges. He once received three red cards in a single season—twice—yet remained unapologetic, claiming the sport was going soft.

2. Sergio Ramos – 30 red cards

One of the most successful defenders of his generation, Ramos also holds a stunning red card record. His aggressive play and tendency for late tackles made him a frequent target for referees, earning him 30 dismissals (and counting).

1. Gerardo Bedoya – 46 red cards

Gerardo Bedoya stands in a league of his own with 46 red cards. The Colombian midfielder was sent off once even as a coach, and despite his historic role in Colombia’s 2001 Copa America win, his legacy remains defined by ill-discipline.