Yellow cards are an inevitable part of modern football, as some players frequently find themselves in the referee's notebook. A referee issues a yellow card to officially caution a player for misconduct. The player can continue to play. However, if they receive a second caution in the same match, they will be sent off with a red card. Receiving two yellow cards in a match results in an automatic red card. In this article, Wintips will help you answer the question "statistics" with the most detailed statistics available.
The most yellow cards in football history - Who are they?
1. Sergio Ramos (269)
Sergio Ramos García, born on March 30, 1986, is a professional footballer from Spain, currently playing for PSG as a center-back. He previously played as a right-back in the early stages of his career. Ramos is widely recognized as one of the greatest defenders of his generation.
He has earned praise for his passing ability and goal-scoring prowess. He holds the record for the most yellow cards in football history. The Real Madrid captain has received 269 yellow cards and has been sent off 28 times at the club level.
2. Gerardo Torrado (228) - Most yellow cards in football
Gerardo Torrado Díez de Bonilla, born on April 30, 1979, is a former Mexican footballer who played as a midfielder. He is currently the sporting director of the Mexican Football Federation. Known for his aggressive playing style, Torrado is also recognized for his ability to retrieve the ball and his efficient passing.
Born in Mexico City, Torrado started his professional career with UNAM in 1997. After a few years of playing in Spain, he joined Cruz Azul in 2005, in which he made his debut against Monarcas Morelia, scoring two goals in a 2–0 victory. He quickly rose to prominence as one of the most important players in the team. Known for his energetic playing style, Torrado accumulated numerous red and yellow cards throughout his career.
3. Dani Alves (220)
As the most decorated player in football history, Dani Alves became the finest full-back of his generation, collecting numerous major honors at powerhouse clubs, including Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, in the early stages of his career, he truly flourished, securing six domestic league titles and three Champions League trophies. He became a familiar name to both adversaries and European referees. Alves has been cautioned 27 times throughout his Champions League appearances, including during Barcelona's final triumph against Manchester United at Wembley in 2011. Dani Alves ranks among the players who have received the most yellow cards in football history.
4. Xabi Alonso (197) - Most yellow cards in football
Xabier Alonso Olano, born on November 25, 1981, is a Spanish football coach and former professional player who played as a central midfielder. He is currently the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen.
During a tense and chaotic 0–0 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Alonso received a yellow card, which resulted in his suspension for the following match. Alonso was dismayed to miss the game and vehemently protested the referee's decision, but it was to no avail.
5. Daniele Conti (190) - Most yellow cards in football
Daniele Conti, born on January 9, 1979, is an Italian former footballer who primarily played as a midfielder for Cagliari. He now works as a coach and serves as the coordinator for the club's youth team.
Conti played for numerous clubs in Italy and seemed to have made it his mission to tackle opponents. His highest tally of yellow cards came during his time at Parma, where he received 36 yellow cards and was recognized as one of the most cautioned players in football history.
6. Gabi (189)
Gabriel Fernández Arenas, born on July 10, 1983, commonly known as Gabi, was a professional footballer from Spain who played as a defensive midfielder. As a product of the Atlético Madrid youth system, he seldom featured in his first season with the Colchoneros' first team.
After being loaned to another club in the capital, Getafe CF, he went on to make 52 La Liga appearances for them from 2005 to 2007, scoring his team's only goal in a 1-1 draw away to RCD Espanyol on April 9, 2006.
With a record of 122 yellow cards and 8 red cards, this player would surely impress Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. He holds the distinction of being the footballer with the most yellow cards in both football history and the club's history.
7. Raul Garcia (189)
Raúl García Escudero, born on July 11, 1986, is a Spanish professional footballer who primarily plays for Athletic Bilbao as an attacking midfielder and can also play as a central midfielder.
In July 2007, after helping Osasuna reach the UEFA Cup semi-finals with a goal in 12 appearances, R. García signed a five-year contract with Atlético Madrid, reuniting with former coach Aguirre in a lucrative deal worth €13 million. Garcia remains active in professional football and could climb the ranks in the list of players with the most yellow cards in football history before retiring.
8. David Albelda (183) - Most yellow cards in football
David Albelda Aliqués, born on September 1, 1977, was a Spanish footballer who played as a defensive midfielder and is currently serving as a coach for Atzeneta UE. He predominantly played for local club Valencia for the majority of his professional career.
He served as the team captain for over a decade, making 480 appearances. Born in La Pobla Llarga, Valencian Community, Albelda began his career as a center-back for local side UD Alzira. After two loan spells with Villarreal CF in the same region, he returned to his first professional club, Valencia CF, in the 1999–2000 season and delivered impressive performances.
9. Giampiero Pinzi (182) - Most yellow cards in football
Giampiero Pinzi, born on March 11, 1981, is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. With Italy's U21 team, Pinzi won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2004 and secured a silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics. He earned his senior international debut in 2005, which turned out to be his only appearance for the Italy national team.
After spending a year with SS Lazio in Serie A, he moved to league rivals Udinese Calcio. Throughout his time at Udinese, Pinzi accumulated a total of 119 yellow cards and 13 red cards. As a result, he holds the record for the most yellow cards received by any player, an astonishing achievement.
10. Emre Belozoglu (181)
Emre Belözoğlu, born on September 7, 1980, was a Turkish footballer who played as a midfielder. He was known for his tenacious style of play and played for several top clubs, including Galatasaray, Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Atlético Madrid, İstanbul Başakşehir, and Fenerbahçe.
A versatile midfielder, Emre could play as a central midfielder, an advanced playmaker, or even on the left flank. As one of the most frequently booked players in football history, Belözoğlu is primarily known for his technical ability and tactical awareness, accumulating 181 yellow cards throughout his career.
Conclusion
Football is an emotionally charged sport, often leading players to lose control and commit fouls that impact their opponents. It is extremely rare to find a football player who has never received a card. Even the most composed and level-headed players can lose their temper and act recklessly. Hopefully, you now have an answer to the question "Who has the most yellow cards in football history?". Visit the trader bookmaker website for more interesting sports news.
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