The 10 players with the most red cards in football history

The 10 players with the most red cards in football history: Davids, Ramos, Melo… While Premier League icons like Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, and Duncan Ferguson were no strangers to red cards, their disciplinary records pale in comparison to football’s all-time worst offenders. Notorious players from clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Tottenham, Inter, and Juventus dominate the list of those sent off most frequently. Below is the list of the 10 players with the most red cards in football history:

Gerardo Bedoya (Colombia, Defensive Midfielder) – 46 red cards Known as “The Beast,” Bedoya’s aggressive tackling and confrontational style led to a record 46 dismissals across 601 matches, mostly in South America (e.g., Deportivo Cali, Racing Club). His most infamous moment was a 15-match ban for elbowing and kicking an opponent in a 2012 Bogotá derby.

Sergio Ramos (Spain, Defender) – 29 red cards Ramos, a Real Madrid legend, holds the record for the most red cards in La Liga (21) and El Clásico (5). His aggressive defending and short temper resulted in 29 career dismissals, though none came for Spain in over 150 caps. He’s the most-carded player in Europe’s top five leagues.

Cyril Rool (France, Midfielder/Defender) – 27 red cards Rool set a Ligue 1 record with six red cards in the 2006-07 season at Nice. His 27 career reds, alongside 187 yellows, came from reckless tackles and brawls during stints at Bastia, Lens, and Marseille.

Edgar Davids (Netherlands, Midfielder) – 25 red cards Nicknamed “The Pitbull,” Davids’ tenacious style led to 25 dismissals, including four in the UEFA Champions League (tied for the most). His final red came in his last professional game for Barnet in 2013, for dissent.

Alexis Ruano Delgado (Spain, Defender) – 22 red cards Known for his hot temper, Delgado’s 22 reds include a notorious punch on Mario Mandžukić. He played for Valencia, Getafe, and Sevilla, with his aggressive challenges often overshadowing his defensive skills.

Felipe Melo (Brazil, Defensive Midfielder) – 22 red cards The “Pitbull” earned 22 reds with his combative style, including a high-profile stamp on Arjen Robben in the 2010 World Cup. Melo’s career spanned Juventus, Inter Milan, and Fluminense, retiring in 2024.

Rafael Márquez (Mexico, Defender) – 21 red cards Regarded as Mexico’s best defender, Márquez’s 21 reds came despite his composure on the ball. His career highlights include two Champions League titles with Barcelona, but a headbutt on Cobi Jones and a high boot in a UCL match marred his record.

Paolo Montero (Uruguay, Defender) – 21 red cards Montero holds the Serie A record with 16 red cards, mostly with Juventus. His no-nonsense defending led to 21 career dismissals, despite playing in three Champions League finals (all losses).

Gary Medel (Chile, Midfielder/Defender) – 19 red cards Medel’s fiery approach resulted in 19 reds, with stints at Inter Milan and Vasco da Gama. His relentless tackling often crossed the line, though he remains active as of 2025

Fernando Amorebieta (Venezuela, Defender) – 19 red cards Amorebieta’s 19 reds reflect his reckless challenges, including a bite on an opponent in a Paraguayan derby. He spent key years at Athletic Bilbao and Fulham, with his disciplinary issues overshadowing his talent

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