The 10 Dirtiest Footballers Since 2000 – Ranked

July 3, 2025 Oliver Obel

Not all footballers are remembered for their finesse, vision, or goalscoring records. Some carved out their careers by doing the dirty work—tackling hard, clashing with opponents, and constantly flirting with the referee's whistle. Here's a countdown of the 10 dirtiest footballers of the 21st century, ranked by their staggering number of cards.

10. Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso is widely respected for his intelligence and composure on the pitch, but he also had a darker side to his game. He picked up 195 yellow cards and 6 reds during his career, showing he wasn’t afraid to commit tactical fouls or reckless challenges when needed.

9. Scott Brown

Scott Brown built a career in Scottish football on intensity and physical dominance, especially in the center of midfield. With 203 yellow cards and 9 reds, he constantly walked the disciplinary tightrope, thriving in heated rivalries and tough battles.

8. Javier Mascherano

Javier Mascherano was a relentless presence in midfield for clubs like Liverpool and Barcelona. Known for his aggressive tackling and uncompromising approach, he racked up 201 yellow cards and 12 reds, leaving a lasting impression on referees across multiple leagues.

7. Raul Garcia

Raul Garcia enjoyed a long La Liga career and contributed significantly in attack, but he was also heavily penalized. With 206 yellow cards and 8 reds, his combative style often crossed the line, making him one of Spain’s most booked players this century.

6. Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets was a vital cog in Barcelona’s dominance, mastering the art of disrupting play. Though a brilliant passer, his 218 yellow cards and 4 reds reflect the physical edge he often brought to midfield battles.

5. Pepe

Pepe’s reputation as a fierce and sometimes violent defender is backed by the numbers. Accumulating 210 yellow cards and 17 reds, he was feared by attackers and frequently overstepped the line with dangerous challenges and heated altercations.

4. Arturo Vidal

Arturo Vidal played for elite clubs across Europe but always brought a rugged, aggressive style to midfield. His tally of 231 yellow cards and 14 reds shows just how often he turned to hard fouls and risky tackles throughout his long career.

3. Dani Alves

Dani Alves was one of the most decorated full-backs in football, but he also had a wild side. Across his career, he was shown 236 yellow cards and 14 reds, highlighting a pattern of reckless defending and persistent fouling.

2. Felipe Melo

Felipe Melo is notorious for his overly aggressive play and frequent run-ins with referees. With 254 yellow cards and 25 reds, his disciplinary record is among the worst ever, and his final season ended fittingly with a suspension while on the bench.

1. Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos tops the list by a huge margin, with a staggering 270 yellow cards and 30 reds. His career is defined not only by goals and trophies but also by a relentless and ruthless defensive style that earned him the title of the dirtiest footballer of the 21st century.