Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Sergio Ramos

Football’s Filthiest: The 10 Dirtiest Players Since 2000

September 6, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

Not every football hero dazzles with dribbles or racks up goals. Some make their mark with hard tackles, mind games, and, yes, a whole lot of cards. Whether seen as enforcers or villains, these players walked the line between passionate and dangerous. Based on stats from PopFoot and Transfermarkt, here are the 10 dirtiest footballers of the 21st century.

#10 Xabi Alonso – 201 Cards

Known for his tactical brilliance and elegance on the ball, Xabi Alonso was also no stranger to a crunching challenge. During his stellar career at clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, he accumulated 195 yellow cards and 6 reds. Now managing Bayer Leverkusen, his on-pitch edge is part of what made him a midfield maestro.

#9 Scott Brown – 212 Cards

Scott Brown built his reputation on grit and aggression. Whether leading Celtic through fiery Old Firm derbies or putting in bruising tackles for Hibernian and Aberdeen, the fiery Scot picked up 203 yellow cards and 9 reds, thriving in high-pressure moments—even if it cost him.

#8 Javier Mascherano – 213 Cards

Mascherano was a rock for both Liverpool and Barcelona. But his defensive steel often crossed into dirty territory. Known for his bite—literally, once against Jermain Defoe—he was shown 201 yellow cards and 12 reds. A ferocious competitor to the end.

#7 Raul Garcia – 214 Cards

Not as famous as some on this list, but just as tough. Raul Garcia starred for Osasuna, Atletico Madrid, and Athletic Bilbao. With 151 goals and 70 assists to his name, he brought plenty to the pitch—along with 206 yellows and 8 reds.

#6 Sergio Busquets – 223 Cards

The quiet destroyer of Barcelona’s golden era. While Messi, Xavi and Iniesta stole the headlines, Busquets did the dirty work. Known for his tactical fouls and sly dives, he earned 219 yellows and 4 reds. Still playing at Inter Miami, his total could yet grow.

#5 Pepe – 227 Cards

Feared and revered, Pepe played with an edge that was often over the top. With 210 yellow cards and 17 reds—many earned with Real Madrid and Portugal—his legacy is as much about blood-and-thunder tackles as last-ditch defending.

#4 Dani Alves – 250 Cards

Dani Alves wasn’t just a flashy full-back. He also had a nasty streak. Across stints with Barcelona, PSG and Juventus, he saw 236 yellow cards and 14 reds. A world-class talent whose aggression sometimes boiled over. His career ended in 2022 following his arrest.

#3 Arturo Vidal – 257 Cards

A midfield warrior through and through. From Juventus and Bayern to Barcelona and Inter, Arturo Vidal left everything on the pitch—including a trail of bruised opponents. With 242 yellows and 15 reds, his style was uncompromising and ferocious.

#2 Felipe Melo – 280 Cards

Felipe Melo is perhaps the ultimate no-nonsense enforcer. The Brazilian midfielder, who turned out for clubs like Juventus, Galatasaray, and Inter, racked up 255 yellows and 25 reds. His last five league games were missed due to a red card—received while on the bench.

#1 Sergio Ramos – 302 Cards

The undisputed king of cards. Ramos has collected 272 yellows and an astonishing 30 reds while playing for Sevilla, Real Madrid, PSG, and now CF Monterrey. Equal parts lethal in front of goal and unforgiving at the back, Ramos’ career is legendary—and more than a little dirty.