Top 10 Players with the Most Red Cards in 2025 Football

Top 10 Players with the Most Red Cards in 2025 Football showcases the most controversial and hot-headed stars of the season. This gripping countdown explores players who grabbed the spotlight not just for their talent, but also for their repeated trips down the tunnel after being sent off. From reckless challenges and tactical fouls to full-blown confrontations, these red-card moments defined key matches across top leagues. Some names on this list might surprise you — trusted captains, star defenders, and even playmakers who simply lost their cool under pressure.

In this detailed breakdown, we look at how these red cards impacted team performances, league standings, and player reputations. Were these moments of passion or poor judgment? Did suspensions cost their teams crucial points? The Top 10 Players with the Most Red Cards in 2025 Football offers more than just stats — it dives into the stories, controversies, and heated rivalries that shaped the football season. If you’re a fan of drama, high-stakes tension, and the darker side of elite competition, this list is a must-read. Discover who topped the list and why discipline remains a game-changing factor in modern football.

10. Marco Friedl (Werder Bremen – Bundesliga) – 2 Red Cards

Marco Friedl stood as a solid pillar in Werder Bremen’s backline, yet his name also surfaced for less desirable reasons this season. In the 2024–25 Bundesliga, he earned two red cards, both of which came at pivotal moments. Friedl’s role often required taking tactical risks, and his disciplinary issues were mostly due to last-man fouls or reckless challenges when under pressure. His timing and positioning occasionally faltered, leading to costly decisions.

Friedl’s second dismissal, in particular, came during a relegation six-pointer, leaving his team exposed and unable to recover. Despite this, his performances outside these incidents were largely dependable. However, two red cards in a single season puts him on the radar of critics and managers alike. Going forward, Friedl will need to rein in his aggression and read the game more carefully if he’s to remain a key figure in the Bundesliga without facing suspensions.

9. Pape Alassane Guèye (Villarreal – La Liga) – 2 Red Cards

Pape Guèye’s first season with Villarreal was a mix of promise and frustration. The Senegalese midfielder brought strength and physical presence to the heart of midfield, but that same intensity saw him sent off twice during the La Liga campaign. Both red cards stemmed from hard challenges, one of which came after already being on a yellow, showing an inability to adapt in high-stakes situations.

His role as a ball-winner often puts him in the thick of battles, but discipline becomes critical in Spain’s fast, technical league. His ejections put Villarreal on the back foot in matches where they were controlling the tempo, and that disruption negatively affected their league positioning. While his work rate and passion earned praise, Guèye must refine his decision-making and improve his composure in future matches.

A midfielder with his skill set is valuable, but it’s equally important to know when to step off. His 2025 campaign reflects both his strength and the fine line midfielders must walk between aggression and recklessness. Guèye remains an important figure for Villarreal but will need to evolve to avoid repeated disciplinary issues in upcoming seasons.

8. Jack Stephens (Southampton – Premier League) – 2 Red Cards

Veteran defender Jack Stephens found himself in disciplinary trouble during Southampton’s 2024–25 Premier League campaign. Known for his no-nonsense style, Stephens picked up two red cards in high-pressure matches. One came from a last-ditch challenge to stop a counterattack, while the other stemmed from dissent and confrontation with the referee — a sign of growing frustration amid the club’s inconsistent season.

As Southampton struggled to regain top-flight stability, Stephens’ red cards contributed to setbacks in momentum. His leadership in defense was respected, but those moments of poor judgment proved costly. Playing with ten men can change the complexion of any match, and both red card incidents came when the Saints were in tight games that later swung in their opponents’ favor.

Despite the send-offs, Stephens remains a key figure in the team’s structure. He brings experience and organizational discipline to younger teammates. However, he’ll need to manage emotions better and adopt a cooler head if he wants to remain Southampton’s anchor. Two red cards may not seem extreme, but they serve as reminders of the need for focus and maturity, particularly for a veteran expected to guide his side through challenging times.

7. Frédéric Guilbert (Lecce – Serie A) – 2 Red Cards

Frédéric Guilbert’s campaign with Lecce in Serie A has been a rollercoaster of commitment and controversy. Known for his physical defending and combative energy, Guilbert walked a fine line between assertiveness and aggression throughout the 2024–25 season. That line was crossed twice, earning him two red cards in critical fixtures that halted Lecce’s progress during tight relegation battles.

One of Guilbert’s red cards came through a direct foul on a forward through on goal, while the other was a result of accumulated yellow cards in a fiery southern derby. Lecce suffered in both instances, particularly in matches where depth in defense was already thin. His send-offs forced the coaching staff to reorganize tactically, affecting both morale and rhythm.

While Guilbert has earned praise for his commitment and defensive work, the lack of restraint in crucial moments has drawn criticism. Serie A’s pace and technical quality demand precision in tackles and decision-making — something he must improve. For a team like Lecce fighting to stay in the top tier, every card matters. Guilbert’s discipline will need sharpening if he hopes to contribute more positively to the club’s long-term survival.

6. Cédric Kipré (Stade de Reims – Ligue 1) – 2 Red Cards

In Ligue 1, Cédric Kipré’s towering presence and physical approach often stood out. However, his aggressive style of play also brought disciplinary issues, as reflected in his two red cards during the 2024–25 season. Both incidents were classic examples of mistimed tackles — one against a swift winger and another in a heated battle for midfield dominance — that led to instant dismissals.

Reims had been overachieving in parts of the season, but Kipré’s absences disrupted the defensive stability, particularly during games that required tight marking and communication. His red cards often forced the team to retreat and play more cautiously, neutralizing their pressing game and opening up spaces that opponents quickly exploited.

Despite this, Kipré remains a commanding figure. His aerial strength, blocking ability, and positioning have helped Reims punch above their weight. But in modern football, defenders must balance strength with smart positioning and clean challenges. Kipré’s experience should guide him to adapt and reduce future red cards. For now, his disciplinary record places him among the league’s most dismissed, but with adjustment, he can avoid repeating this narrative in coming seasons.

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5. Marcos Alonso (Celta Vigo – La Liga) – 2 Red Cards

Marcos Alonso has long been known for his attacking flair as a left-back, but during the 2024–25 season with Celta Vigo, his defensive lapses and disciplinary issues overshadowed his offensive contributions. The Spaniard received two red cards, both coming at pivotal moments in matches that could have swung in Celta’s favor. His first dismissal was for a late tackle on a counterattack; the second followed a second yellow in a high-tempo clash.

Alonso’s experience, having played for top clubs like Chelsea and Barcelona, made these mistakes all the more surprising. While he contributed with forward runs and set-piece quality, his lack of speed when defending was frequently exposed, leading to risky challenges. Those decisions, especially under pressure, proved costly for a Celta side battling mid-table security.

His red cards often came when emotions ran high, reflecting the frustration of a difficult season. For Alonso, maintaining composure in these moments is crucial. At 34, he’s expected to provide leadership, not instability. His inclusion on this list marks a disappointing turn in his otherwise respectable career. As the season ends, Alonso’s focus must return to smart, positional defending — using experience as a guide, not emotion.

4. Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal – Premier League) – 3 Red Cards

One of the biggest surprises of the 2025 season was the disciplinary record of Arsenal’s young prodigy, Myles Lewis-Skelly. Still a teenager, Lewis-Skelly made headlines not just for his promising performances but for his three red cards in competitive fixtures. These dismissals came in various competitions, including the FA Cup and Premier League, and highlighted the balance young players must strike between energy and control.

Skelly’s red cards weren’t for malicious intent but stemmed from rash decisions — late challenges, poorly timed tackles, and moments of emotional overflow. As a central midfielder, he often found himself in the thick of action, but his impetuousness led to early showers and forced Arsenal into damage control.

Despite the setbacks, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shown patience, continuing to give him minutes while working on his development. The club believes his passion and physicality, once tamed, will turn into valuable traits. Lewis-Skelly’s situation serves as both a warning and an opportunity: raw talent must be nurtured with discipline. Arsenal fans see his potential, but with three red cards already on record, he’ll need to mature fast to avoid long-term consequences in his top-level career.

3. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United – Premier League) – 3 Red Cards

Bruno Fernandes’ 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of brilliance and controversy. As Manchester United’s midfield engine and emotional leader, Fernandes is no stranger to drama — but this year, he crossed the line more than once. With three red cards across all competitions, he equaled the highest tally among top-tier players. The dismissals stemmed from a combination of dissent, tactical fouls, and reckless challenges — unusual for a player known more for creativity than aggression.

The most high-profile red came during a crucial Manchester derby, where his heated reaction to a referee’s call resulted in a straight dismissal. Another came in a European fixture, and the third in a tense league clash with Newcastle. Each red card had a ripple effect, disrupting United’s rhythm and drawing media scrutiny over his leadership style.

Despite his disciplinary troubles, Fernandes remained a key figure in United’s attack, contributing goals and assists throughout the season. However, three red cards are hard to overlook for a player expected to lead by example. Fans and pundits now debate whether his fiery passion is an asset or liability. For Fernandes to retain his role as captain and influencer, he must strike a better balance between emotional fire and footballing focus.

2. Terence Vancooten (Burton Albion – League One) – 3 Red Cards

Terence Vancooten might not be a household name in global football, but his record in the 2024–25 season certainly caught attention. The Burton Albion defender was sent off three times in England’s League One — making him one of the most dismissed players across the UK’s professional leagues. A combination of rough defending and poor judgment under pressure led to his inclusion near the top of this list.

Vancooten’s red cards varied in nature. One came from a last-man foul, another for violent conduct in a heated clash, and a third for accumulating two yellows in a critical relegation battle. Each card had serious consequences, forcing Burton to reorganize and often defend with ten men. In a league as competitive and physical as League One, discipline is crucial — and unfortunately, Vancooten’s lapses didn’t help his team’s fight for survival.

Despite these setbacks, his overall defensive contributions have been solid when he remained on the pitch. He showed potential as a strong, no-nonsense centre-back but needs to sharpen his decision-making and temperament. If he can cut down on rash moments, he could evolve into a reliable asset. For now, though, his red card count places him near the top of this season’s disciplinary charts.

1. Mario Martín (Real Valladolid – La Liga) – 3 Red Cards

At the very top of the list sits Mario Martín of Real Valladolid, the player with the most impactful red card tally of the 2025 football season. With three red cards in La Liga, Martín not only led Spain’s top flight in dismissals but stood alone in topping all of Europe’s top-five leagues in this unwanted statistic. His aggressive playing style and high-pressure role in midfield led to repeated disciplinary issues.

Each red card came at vital moments. One was for a dangerous slide tackle that drew widespread criticism, another for persistent fouling and dissent, and a third for an off-the-ball incident during a heated match against Valencia. Valladolid, fighting for stability in the top division, were severely affected by Martín’s absences, often losing control of matches after he was sent off.

What makes Martín’s case more striking is that he’s relatively young and still developing as a professional. While his passion and intensity are admirable, they must be tempered with discipline. Coaches will need to guide him on the importance of self-control if he’s to continue his rise in Spanish football. Being the top name on this list is a signal for change — one Martín must heed to avoid long-term consequences in his career.

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