Football history has seen many players who play more aggressively than necessary. They are willing to make aggressive tackles, fight fiercely for the ball, and even commit fouls. For dangerous fouls causing 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 must 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 receiving 46 red cards! The Colombian player spent most of his professional career in South America and earned 49 caps for the national team.
In the 2012 Bogotá derby between Independiente Santa Fe and Millonarios, he received a red card for a reckless tackle and later kicked the 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 would not easily be taken away, if at all.
After retiring from professional football, Bedoya transitioned into coaching. As Santa Fe's assistant coach in 2016, he was ejected just 21 minutes into the role. Some habits, it seems, are hard to shake.
2/ Cryil Rool (27) - Most red cards in football
Rool was a French footballer who played for Lens, Marseille, AS Monaco, Bordeaux, and Nice. His career was lackluster as he did not shine at the club level and never made the French national team.
The most successful period of his career was with Lens when he won his first—and only—trophy.
However, receiving 27 red cards throughout his entire career ensures that Rool will always be remembered as one of the most undisciplined players in football history.
While playing for Nice, Rool once horrified viewers with his violent tackle on Monaco's Leandro Cufré. He is a hot-tempered player, often recklessly aggressive in his challenges, leading to unsportsmanlike decisions.
3/ Sergio Ramos (29) - Most red cards in football
Sergio Ramos most recently received a red card while playing for Sevilla against Real Sociedad in November 2023. Before that, his previous red card was in October 2022, suggesting that he might have grown calmer and wiser as he matured. His latest dismissal marked the 29th red card of his illustrious football career.
This is the highest number recorded by any player since 2000, making him the 'enforcer' of this mischievous team. Surprisingly, Ramos has never received a red card while playing for Spain, despite holding a record of 180 appearances for La Roja.
With a stellar career filled with trophies, crucial moments, and even some last-minute Champions League goals, he remains one of the most iconic figures in modern football.
4/ Edgar Davids (27)
Edgar Davids, born on March 13, 1973, is a retired Dutch footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. Known for his tenacious playing style and iconic goggles, he was one of the most dynamic midfielders of his generation.
He played for several top European clubs, including Ajax, AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, and Tottenham. His aggressive tackling, exceptional ball control, and tireless energy made him a vital asset for every team he represented.
Born in La Pobla Llarga, Valencian Community, Albelda began his career as a center-back for local club UD Alzira. After two loan spells with Villarreal CF, he regained his form and made a strong return to Valencia CF in the 1999–2000 season.
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 Málaga, Getafe, Valencia, Sevilla, and Alavés. He made an impressive start to his career by winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with the Spanish national team in 2004.
He also had short stints in Turkey with Beşiktaş 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, solidifying his reputation as one of the dirtiest players in the sport's history. Throughout his 18-year career, he was sent off a total of 22 times.
6/ Paolo Montero (21) - Most red cards in football
Montero began his career at Peñarol. In the summer of 1992, he joined Atalanta before moving to Juventus for nine seasons. Montero was a player known for his fiery temper and unpredictable outbursts on the pitch.
He played with great awareness, often executing impressive maneuvers. However, in confrontational situations, Montero's aggression often crossed the line. The Uruguayan defender received a total of 16 red cards during his time in Serie A, which remains a record in the league's history. Throughout Montero's career, he was sent off a total of 21 times.
7/ Francesco Totti (16)
Having played his entire career at his boyhood club Roma, Totti was deeply devoted to the club. When things didn’t go Roma’s way, Totti often let his emotions get the better of him. As a result, he received 16 red cards in his illustrious career.
Arguably, the most severe red card of his career came in 2010 when he kicked Mario Balotelli from behind during a match between Roma and Inter Milan. He was handed a four-match ban in the Coppa Italia and later revealed that he had contemplated retirement following that painful red card. In 2018, Totti reflected on that infamous moment.
8/ Zlatan Ibrahimovic (15) - Most red cards in football
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has struggled with his fiery temper and has received several unnecessary red cards due to his behavior. The legendary footballer received three red cards during his time at Paris Saint-Germain and was sent off four times across his two spells with AC Milan. Do you remember when he sent Marco Materazzi to the hospital as payback during the Milan derby in 2010?
Interestingly, he only received a yellow card in that instance, 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, four of which were due to various acts of misconduct. Interestingly, 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 accumulated his fair share of red cards. The Portuguese winger, who has played for Sporting CP, Porto, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, has received 14 red cards in his career. His least disciplined period was at Besiktas in Turkey, where he was sent off nine times.
In 2017, FIFA.com's Marco Monteiro described Quaresma as a "wild talent with an unusual temperament," a description that perfectly encapsulates his career. Often considered the next Cristiano Ronaldo, Quaresma may not have matched the Real Madrid legend’s goal tally, but his notable red card record certainly distinguishes him from his compatriot—though not in a way to be proud of.
10/ Jens Lehmann (7)
Being sent off seven times as a goalkeeper is a remarkable feat. Lehmann’s most infamous red card came in the 2006 Champions League final between Arsenal and Barcelona.
The German goalkeeper became the first player to be sent off in a UEFA Champions League final for a professional foul on Samuel Eto'o outside the Arsenal box in the 18th minute. Arsenal continued to lead but couldn't hold on, eventually suffering a painful 2-1 defeat. In 2020, Lehmann reminisced about that red card during an episode of Arsenal's 'In Lockdown' podcast.
Conclusion
Imagine if this lineup took the field in a match during their careers. It's quite possible that the match won't end because of too many red cards! Across the field, there are rugged and aggressive players. However, 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?
