Football history has witnessed many players who play more aggressively than necessary. They are willing to tackle opponents aggressively, fight for the ball, and even commit fouls. For fouls that are too severe and lead to injuries, they will receive a red card. Of course, red cards can also be shown for various other reasons. However, once you receive a red card, you have to leave the field immediately. So, do you know the answer to "Who has the most red cards in football history?" Let's find out with Wintips right away.
The most red cards in football history - Top 10
1/ Gerardo Bedoya (46)
Gerardo Bedoya holds the record for being sent off 46 times! The Colombian player spent most of his career in South America and earned 49 caps for the national team. In the 2012 Bogota derby between Independiente Santa Fe and Millonarios, he was red-carded for a reckless tackle and later kicked Millonarios player Jhonny Ramirez in the head, resulting in a 15-match suspension.
Affectionately dubbed 'The Monster' for his aggressive tackles and rough play, Bedoya certainly earns a spot on this team—a spot that wouldn't soon be taken away, if ever. After retiring, Bedoya transitioned into coaching. As Santa Fe's first assistant director in 2016, he was sent off just 21 minutes into the role. Some habits, it seems, are hard to shake.
2/ Cryil Rool (27) - Most red cards in football
Rool is a French footballer who has played for Lens, Marseille, AS Monaco, Bordeaux and Nice. Rool's career has been lackluster as he did not shine at the club and never made the France national team. The most successful period of his career came for Lens when he won his first – and only – silverware trophy.
However, the achievement of receiving 27 red cards in his whole career helps Rool will always be mentioned as the worst player in football. While playing for Nice, Rool once obsessed viewers with his toss to destroy Monaco's Leandro Cufre. Rool is a hot-tempered player, often eager for the ball, thus making unsportsmanlike handling decisions.
3/ Sergio Ramos (29) - Most red cards in football
Sergio Ramos' most recent red card came while playing for Sevilla against Real Sociedad in November 2023. Prior to that, in October 2022, which might suggest he's grown calmer and wiser as he's matured. His latest sending off marked his 29th red card in his illustrious football career.
The most by any player since 2000, making him the 'enforcer' of this mischievous team. What's surprising is that Ramos has never received a red card while playing for Spain, despite having a record 180 appearances for La Roja. After a stellar career filled with trophies, crucial moments, and even some last-minute goals in the Champions League, he remains one of the most memorable figures in modern football.
4/ Edgar Davids (27)
David Albelda Aliqués, born on September 1, 1977, is a retired Spanish footballer who played as a defensive midfielder and currently serves as a coach. He played primarily for the local Valencia throughout his extensive professional career, captaining the team for over a decade and appearing in 480 competitive matches.
Born in La Pobla Llarga, Valencian Community, Albelda began his career as a center-back for local club UD Alzira and, after two loan spells with Villarreal CF in the same area, returned to strong form for his first professional club Valencia CF in 1999–2000.
5/ Alexis Ruano (22) - Most red cards in football
Alexis Ruano Delgado, known simply as 'Alexis', spent much of his career in Spain playing for teams such as Malaga, Getafe, Valencia, Sevilla, and Alaves - but he began his career strongly by winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with his country in 2004.
He also had short stints in Turkey with Besiktas and in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli - but wherever he traveled, trouble seemed to follow. Ruano retired from football in 2020 after a spell with Racing Santander, cementing himself as one of the dirtiest players in the sport's history. He was sent off a total of 22 times throughout his 18-year career.
6/ Paolo Montero (21) - Most red cards in football
Montero began his career at Penarol. In the summer of 1992, he joined Atalanta before moving to Juventus for 9 seasons. Montero was a player known for unpredictable moments.
He played with alertness, often executing impressive maneuvers. However, in confrontational situations, Montero's aggression exceeded limits. The Uruguayan defender received a total of 16 red cards during his time in Serie A, a record for the league to date. Throughout Montero's career, he was sent off 21 times.
7/ Francesco Totti (16)
Having played his entire career at his childhood club Roma, Totti truly poured his heart into the shirt. When things didn't go Roma's way, Totti would often feel aggrieved and received 16 red cards in his illustrious career.
Arguably his heaviest red card came in 2010 when he kicked Mario Balotelli from behind in a match between Roma and Inter Milan. He was handed a 4-match ban in the Coppa Italia and later revealed that he contemplated retirement after the bitter red card. Totti reminisced about the red card in 2018.
8/ Zlatan Ibrahimovic (15) - Most red cards in football
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has indeed struggled with his fiery temper and has received several foolish red cards for his behavior. The legendary footballer has received three red cards while at Paris Saint-Germain and has been sent off four times in two stints with AC Milan. Do you remember when he went to the Materazzi hospital for revenge in the Milan derby in 2010?
Interestingly, he only received a yellow card on that occasion, but that didn't stop him from becoming famous for his fiery antics on the field. The Swedish striker has been shown the red card 15 times in his career, 4 of which were for some sort of misconduct. The thing is - Ibrahimovic is rarely caught diving into two-footed challenges.
9/ Ricardo Quaresma (14) - Most red cards in football
As a nimble and skillful winger, Ricardo Quaresma has indeed had his fair share of red cards. The Portuguese winger, who has played for Sporting CP, Porto, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, has been shown the red card 14 times in his career. His most undisciplined period was at Besiktas in Turkey, where he was sent off 9 times.
In 2017, FIFA.com's Marco Monteiro described Quaresma as a "wild talent with an unusual temperament," which almost sums up his career. And that's a perfect description. Considered the next Cristiano Ronaldo, Quaresma may not have the goal tally of the Real Madrid legend, but his notable red card count certainly stands out from his compatriot's - and that's not something to be proud of.
10/ Jens Lehmann (7)
Being sent off SEVEN times in your goalkeeping career is actually quite an impressive thing. Lehmann's most famous red card occurred during the 2006 Champions League final between Arsenal and Barcelona.
The German goalkeeper became the first player to be sent off in a C1 Cup final after fouling Samuel Eto'o outside the Arsenal box in the 18th minute. Arsenal continued to lead but they could not hold on as they suffered a painful 2 - 1 defeat. In 2020, Lehmann reminisced about that red card on Arsenal's 'In Lockdown' podcast.
Conclude
Imagine if this lineup actually lined up in a match during their careers. It's quite possible that the match wouldn't end due to too many red cards! Everywhere you look, there are rugged and aggressive players. However, perhaps surprisingly, it includes some technically gifted players, especially in the forward positions. Visit the bookmaker top 100 website homepage for the latest sports updates.
See also: Who has the most yellow cards in football history?
