The 10 Footballers With the Most Red Cards in History

Red cards represent football’s ultimate disciplinary sanction — a player sent off and his team forced to play with ten men. While most professionals receive few throughout their careers, a select group has become notorious for dismissals. Here are the top 10 players with the most red cards in the history of football, demonstrating that fierce competitiveness sometimes strays beyond the rules.

1) Gerardo Bedoya — 46 Red Cards

Colombian midfielder Gerardo Bedoya holds the all-time record for red cards with 46 dismissals across his career. Known for his combative style, Bedoya’s disciplinary record overshadows his solid club and international career.

2) Sergio Ramos — 30 Red Cards

World Cup winner and Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos is a hugely successful but feisty defender, sent off 30 times over his long career. His record reflects his relentlessness, especially in high-stakes matches.

3) Pablo Alfaro — 27 Red Cards

Spanish centre-back Pablo Alfaro was dispatched 27 times during his long career, representing clubs including Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao. His aggressive defending earned him a place high on this list.

4) Felipe Melo — 26 Red Cards

Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo’s tough tackling and fiery temperament led to 26 red cards in his career, playing for teams such as Juventus, Inter and Palmeiras.

5) Edgar Davids — 25 Red Cards

Dutch midfield icon Edgar Davids was sent off 25 times throughout his career — including a few in lower leagues after his time in the Premier League — reflecting his combative approach to the game.

6) Paolo Montero — 23 Red Cards

Uruguayan defender Paolo Montero was renowned for his physical style. His persistent aggression earned him 23 red cards, making him one of the toughest defenders of his era.

7–10) Players With 22 Red Cards Each

Several players share the next spot with 22 red cards, including Rafael Márquez, Cyril Rool, Alexis Ruano Delgado and Gerardo Torrado. These defenders and midfielders made their mark not just with defensive skill, but also with repeated dismissals.

Red cards tell a story not just of discipline but of the passion, physicality and intensity players bring to the pitch. While no footballer aims to be sent off, these names remain infamous for their regular brushes with referees.