Top 10 Teams with the Most Fouls in a Single Game – 2025

Top 10 Teams with the Most Fouls in a Single Game – 2025 takes a deep dive into the roughest, most intense battles on the football pitch this year. These aren’t just ordinary matches — they were physical showdowns where tactics took a backseat and aggression ruled. From shocking tackle counts to cards flying left and right, this list reveals the teams that crossed the line of fair play and racked up record-breaking foul stats in a single match. Whether it was due to high-stakes rivalries, poor discipline, or just raw passion, these teams made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

In this article, you’ll discover which clubs couldn’t hold back, turning strategic games into heated encounters that tested referees and frustrated fans. We break down not just the foul numbers, but also the context — what was at stake, who the main culprits were, and how these moments shaped the outcome of the matches. Love it or hate it, physicality is part of the game — and in 2025, these 10 teams stood out for pushing the boundaries. Dive in to see which clubs made the list and why these matches will be remembered for their intense, sometimes chaotic, on-field action.

10. Monaco (Ligue 1)

Monaco’s midfielders demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and aggression in one of their key 2025 Ligue 1 matches, committing a total of 22 fouls. The team’s approach centered on regaining possession quickly and disrupting the opponent’s attacking flow through calculated and tactical fouling. These fouls were often designed to stop dangerous runs, prevent fast counterattacks, and break up the rhythm of the opposing team. The resulting free kicks repeatedly forced the opposition to reset their attacking moves, giving Monaco a chance to reorganize their defensive shape and regain control. This physical style was paired with a keen sense of timing, allowing Monaco to stop plays without crossing the line into reckless challenges.

Despite the high number of fouls, Monaco showed remarkable discipline throughout the game by avoiding excessive bookings or red cards. Their defensive approach balanced physicality with control, allowing them to maintain pressure without compromising their numbers on the pitch. This match highlighted Monaco’s competitive spirit and their readiness to engage physically when needed, making fouling an integral part of their defensive strategy. The team’s ability to combine technical skill with aggressive defense underlined their determination to dominate the midfield and protect their defensive zone.

9. Fiorentina (Serie A)

In a closely contested Serie A fixture, Fiorentina’s defensive unit committed 22 fouls, using physicality as a deliberate tactical tool to control the game. The team’s defensive line was highly active in disrupting the opponent’s attacking flow, often resorting to fouls to keep the opposing forwards in check. These fouls typically came in crucial areas of the pitch, where preventing dangerous breakthroughs was paramount. Fiorentina’s defenders displayed strong positional awareness but didn’t shy away from using their physical presence to slow down fast attackers and cut off passing lanes. These fouls forced free kicks that interrupted the opposition’s momentum and provided Fiorentina’s defense with crucial moments to reorganize.

Throughout the game, Fiorentina maintained a disciplined approach to their fouling. They avoided overly aggressive or reckless tackles that might result in severe disciplinary consequences, such as yellow or red cards. This careful balance between toughness and control was key to their defensive success, allowing them to remain competitive and resilient. Fiorentina’s use of tactical fouling underlined the importance of physical defense in Serie A, where strategic interruptions of play are often crucial to managing difficult matches and protecting a solid defensive record.

8. RB Leipzig (Bundesliga)

RB Leipzig’s trademark high-pressing style was on full display during a fast-paced 2025 Bundesliga match, resulting in 23 fouls. Their approach focused on intense energy and aggressive defense aimed at disrupting the opposition’s buildup quickly and effectively. Many fouls were committed during pressing traps and counter-pressing moments, where players made split-second decisions to stop the ball carrier immediately, even if it meant committing a foul. This aggressive style helped Leipzig maintain constant pressure on their opponents, forcing turnovers and limiting the opposition’s chances to organize meaningful attacks.

Despite the high number of fouls, Leipzig’s players managed to maintain discipline throughout the match. Reckless or dangerous challenges were rare, reflecting the team’s tactical intelligence and awareness of the risks of accumulating cards. The combination of physicality and control allowed Leipzig to use fouling as a strategic tool rather than a liability. This match clearly demonstrated Leipzig’s modern football philosophy, where stamina, pressing, and tactical fouling work hand in hand to dominate games and control the pace, enabling them to stay competitive in the demanding Bundesliga environment.

7. Real Sociedad (La Liga)

Real Sociedad committed 23 fouls in a fiercely competitive 2025 La Liga match, relying heavily on physicality to defend against attacking threats. The team’s defensive strategy was centered around robust challenges and well-timed fouls to stop dangerous plays before they could develop fully. Sociedad’s midfielders and defenders worked closely together to break down opposition moves early, often choosing to foul rather than risk allowing dangerous penetration into their defensive third. These fouls typically occurred in midfield or wide areas, aimed at slowing the opposition’s tempo and regaining control of the match.

Despite the physical intensity of their defense, Real Sociedad maintained a strong sense of discipline, avoiding excessive bookings that could have jeopardized their lineup. Their fouling was tactical and controlled, frustrating opponents by breaking up the flow of their attacks while preserving team shape and balance. This tough and resilient defensive approach helped Sociedad frustrate their opponents and prevented them from building sustained pressure. The match was a clear example of how physicality, combined with discipline, can be an effective strategy in high-stakes football games in La Liga.

6. Everton FC (Premier League)

Everton’s 2025 Premier League match was a true test of grit and resilience, with the team committing 24 fouls throughout the game. Their defenders and midfielders were deeply involved in breaking up opposition attacks, often resorting to tough physical challenges and tactical fouling to regain possession. These fouls mainly occurred during intense midfield battles, where Everton aimed to disrupt the flow of passing sequences and deny opponents the chance to build momentum. This physical defensive style was critical in preventing the opposition from dominating possession or creating dangerous chances.

Despite the high foul count, Everton showed a commendable level of discipline, avoiding reckless or overly aggressive fouls that could have led to multiple bookings or red cards. Their ability to balance aggression with controlled fouling was crucial in such a fiercely contested match. Everton’s approach reflected their traditional identity as a hard-working, physically robust team that relies on defensive solidity and mental toughness to succeed in the Premier League’s demanding environment. Their performance was a testament to their commitment to defend as a collective unit and their willingness to engage physically when the situation demanded.

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5. Olympique Lyonnais (Ligue 1)

In a 2025 Ligue 1 match packed with intense midfield battles, Olympique Lyonnais committed 24 fouls, frequently interrupting the flow of play and forcing numerous free kicks. Lyon’s midfielders were central to this physical game, employing fouling strategically to stop opposing attacks and shield their defensive line. These fouls occurred at critical moments, preventing opponents from mounting sustained pressure and breaking through Lyon’s defensive ranks. The team’s physical approach was a clear demonstration of their determination to control the match by disrupting the opponent’s rhythm.

Despite the high number of fouls, Lyon’s players maintained remarkable discipline, avoiding reckless or dangerous challenges that could have resulted in severe disciplinary actions. Their tactical fouling was effective in frustrating opponents and breaking up promising attacks without exposing themselves to undue risk. This style of play emphasized Lyon’s competitive spirit and readiness to engage physically when the stakes are high. Lyon’s balanced combination of skill and aggression made them a tough opponent in Ligue 1, where physical battles in midfield often decide the outcome of closely fought games.

4. AS Roma (Serie A)

AS Roma’s midfielders played a vital role in a tough 2025 Serie A fixture, committing 25 fouls as part of a strategy designed to stop creative playmakers and control the midfield battle. Roma’s defensive approach was focused on aggressively breaking up dangerous passes and closing down space quickly. When skillful attackers threatened to penetrate their midfield, Roma’s players were quick to commit tactical fouls to disrupt their flow and regain control. This physical approach was essential in slowing down the opposition and maintaining Roma’s grip on the game’s tempo.

Most fouls took place in the central midfield area, where Roma sought to dominate possession and prevent their opponents from establishing rhythm. Despite the high foul count, Roma’s players demonstrated discipline, ensuring their challenges were tactical rather than reckless. This balance between physicality and control was critical to their defensive effectiveness, helping Roma withstand sustained pressure in a competitive Serie A match. Their ability to combine aggression with tactical awareness allowed them to assert dominance in midfield and protect their defensive shape.

3. Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

Bayer Leverkusen’s high-energy pressing game in a 2025 Bundesliga match resulted in 26 fouls, highlighting their aggressive yet balanced defensive style. Leverkusen’s approach involved intense pressure on the ball carrier and rapid transitions, forcing opponents into mistakes and turnovers. The fouls mainly occurred during pressing sequences, where players had to decide quickly whether to commit a foul to stop an attack or risk letting the opposition advance. This high-pressure style required physicality and tactical awareness.

Despite their aggressive defending, Leverkusen maintained good discipline, avoiding reckless fouls that might lead to cards or suspension. Their fouling was part of a calculated strategy designed to control the game, disrupt opponents, and regain possession quickly. This combination of physical commitment and tactical intelligence was key to Leverkusen’s competitive edge in the Bundesliga. Their ability to balance aggression with control helped them sustain pressure while minimizing disciplinary risks, making their high foul count a reflection of an effective modern pressing game.

2. Atlético Madrid (La Liga)

Atlético Madrid, renowned for their hard-tackling style, committed 27 fouls in a fiercely contested 2025 La Liga match. Their defenders and midfielders used a combination of tactical fouling and physical pressure to break down opposition attacks and frustrate creative players. These fouls were often employed to stop dangerous runs, slow the pace of the game, and prevent opponents from building momentum. Atlético’s defensive discipline ensured that despite the high foul count, the team avoided excessive bookings or red cards.

This aggressive physicality was key in disrupting the opposition’s rhythm, forcing numerous free kicks and set-pieces that interrupted attacking flows. Atlético’s defensive organization and willingness to foul tactically have long been trademarks of their playing style. The 2025 match was a perfect example of how their defensive grit and tactical fouling combine to control games and secure important results in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.

1. West Ham United (Premier League)

West Ham United committed a remarkable 28 fouls in a heated 2025 Premier League derby, showcasing intense physical play and aggressive defending. The team’s strategy focused on disrupting the opponent’s rhythm and breaking up attacking moves through robust challenges and tactical fouling. The high foul count reflected the fierce rivalry and competitive intensity that characterized the match. West Ham players were relentless in applying physical pressure to regain control and frustrate their opponents.

Many fouls occurred in critical areas, forcing the opposition to frequently reset their attacks via free kicks. Despite this aggression, West Ham maintained a balance by avoiding reckless challenges that could result in red cards, demonstrating discipline alongside their combative spirit. Their defensive grit and willingness to engage physically were crucial in managing this high-stakes encounter. The match highlighted West Ham’s ability to combine aggression with control, making physicality a cornerstone of their defensive game plan in intense Premier League fixtures.

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