The 10 Dirtiest Footballers Since the Year 2000 – Ranked

June 29, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Football isn't always about beautiful passes, goals, and flair. Behind every great team stands at least one player who's willing to do the gritty work—the tackles, the tactical fouls, the mind games. Some of these players have built legendary careers not just on talent, but on toughness, aggression, and an uncanny ability to get under the opponent’s skin.

This list ranks the 10 dirtiest footballers since the year 2000 based on total cards received. From fiery midfield generals to uncompromising defenders, these players pushed the rules to the limit—and often past it.

10. Xabi Alonso

Known for his tactical brilliance and calm presence in midfield, Xabi Alonso wasn’t afraid to get stuck in. Despite his composed playing style, the Spaniard picked up a total of 195 yellow cards and 6 red cards during his career. His intelligent fouls and late challenges often disrupted opponents just enough to get noticed by referees.

9. Scott Brown

Scott Brown built his reputation on intensity and grit, especially during fierce Old Firm derbies. The former Celtic captain never shied away from a physical battle and collected 203 yellow cards and 9 red cards throughout his time on the pitch. His leadership came with a serious edge.

8. Javier Mascherano

Mascherano brought Argentine fire to both Liverpool and Barcelona, anchoring midfield with fierce tackling and nonstop energy. He racked up 201 yellow cards and 12 red cards over his career. Few defensive midfielders walked the line between control and chaos quite like him.

7. Raul Garcia

While not as globally recognized, Raul Garcia quietly became one of La Liga’s most combative figures. He combined attacking flair with brutal tenacity and ended his career with 206 yellow cards and 8 red cards. His longevity is impressive given that disciplinary record.

6. Sergio Busquets

Busquets is praised for his vision and passing, but he's also a master of the dark arts. Over the years, he accumulated 218 yellow cards and 4 red cards, proving that even the most elegant midfielders know how to bend the rules when needed.

5. Pepe

Pepe may be one of the most feared defenders of all time, notorious for his reckless challenges and hot temper. The Portuguese center-back was shown 210 yellow cards and 17 red cards in his career. His reputation for violence was matched only by his talent in defense.

4. Arturo Vidal

A fierce competitor with a warrior mentality, Vidal has picked up cards everywhere he's played. His aggressive style earned him 231 yellow cards and 14 red cards across spells in Europe and South America. His presence in midfield has always come at a cost—for both sides.

3. Dani Alves

Regarded as one of the best full-backs in history, Dani Alves also had a wild side. He received 236 yellow cards and 14 red cards, often due to his intense style of play and fiery personality. His record shows that even the greats can be repeat offenders.

2. Felipe Melo

Felipe Melo was chaos personified on the pitch—unpredictable, physical, and combative. Throughout his career, he was shown 254 yellow cards and 25 red cards, making him one of the most ill-disciplined midfielders of the modern era.

1. Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos tops the list as the dirtiest footballer of the 21st century. Known for his passion, leadership, and no-nonsense style, he received a staggering 270 yellow cards and 30 red cards. A legend in both trophies and send-offs, Ramos redefined what it means to be a warrior at the back.