Strikers with the most red cards in football history: Zlatan's record remains unrivaled

A red card is shown when a player commits a serious foul or repeatedly violates the rules during a match. Red cards are more commonly associated with defenders due to their frequent tackles and physical challenges. However, it is far less common for attacking players to receive many red cards. In this article, goaloomobi.com highlights five strikers with most red cards in football history.

Strikers with the most red cards in football history

(List updated as of March 2026 and compiled from various sources.)

5. Luis Suarez (9 red cards)

Despite being one of the most prolific strikers in modern football, Luis Suarez has also been involved in several controversial incidents that resulted in red cards. One of the most famous moments occurred during Uruguay’s quarter-final match against Ghana at the 2010 World Cup, when Suarez deliberately handled the ball on the goal line to prevent a certain goal.

In addition, the striker has received suspensions on several occasions for biting opponents during matches. In the later stages of his career, Suarez became calmer and such incidents happened less often. Some of his red cards came from reactions toward referees. For example, during the 2017 Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético Madrid, he received two yellow cards and was sent off, which meant he missed the final.

4. Diego Costa (11 red cards)

Former Chelsea and Atlético Madrid striker Diego Costa is also among the forwards with the most red cards, largely due to his aggressive playing style. Throughout his career, Costa was known for constant arguments, physical clashes, and confrontations with opponents and referees.

He often tried to provoke defenders through small fouls, verbal taunts, or physical contact. However, this approach sometimes backfired and led to him being sent off. One of his most notable red cards came in 2019 while playing for Atlético Madrid, when he insulted referee Gil Manzano during a match against Barcelona. As a result, Costa received an eight-match suspension in La Liga, effectively ending his season.

3. Edmundo (12 red cards)

Brazilian striker Edmundo, famously nicknamed "O Animal," was known for both his talent and his fiery temper. During the 1997 season, he set two remarkable records: scoring 29 goals and receiving seven red cards in a single season.

Edmundo frequently argued with referees and used harsh language during matches, which often resulted in disciplinary action. After his successful period in Brazil, he played in other leagues such as Serie A in Italy and the J League in Japan, but his behavior remained largely the same. His unpredictable personality also caused problems off the pitch. While playing for Fiorentina, he once left the team temporarily to travel to Brazil for Carnival celebrations.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (13 red cards)

One of the greatest players in football history, Cristiano Ronaldo is also among the strikers with the highest number of red cards. Over the course of his long career, he has been sent off while playing for several clubs.

During his early years at Manchester United, Ronaldo received a number of red cards, including two in Manchester derby matches. Later, during his time at Real Madrid and Juventus, he was also occasionally sent off due to fouls or reactions toward referees.

One of his most notable red card incidents occurred during the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona in 2017. After receiving a second yellow card for simulation, Ronaldo lightly pushed referee Ricardo de Burgos. The incident resulted in a five-match suspension. Overall, nine of his thirteen red cards were straight red cards, showing that some of the fouls were considered serious by referees.

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (16 red cards)

The final name on the list is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a striker long known for his strong personality and aggressive playing style. Throughout his career, Zlatan has never avoided physical confrontations and has often been involved in heated situations on the pitch.

Some of his red cards came from off-the-ball incidents, including punching or striking opponents during matches. He has also received red cards for confrontations with referees. One of the most memorable incidents occurred during a Champions League match against Chelsea in 2015, when he was sent off after a controversial challenge.

After the match, Zlatan sarcastically commented that the Chelsea players surrounded the referee like “11 babies” asking for his dismissal. Another well-known incident involved a retaliatory challenge against Marco Materazzi. Despite these controversies, Zlatan’s physical presence and aggressive style often made him a very difficult opponent for defenders.

In this article, Goaloo Mobi has reviewed five strikers with most red cards in football history. These numbers may still change in the future, as some active players could alter the rankings. To follow the latest match schedules and football updates, please visit our website.