The Premier League 2024–25 season brought not only goals and glory but also intense midfield battles and tough tackles. Among these, some players stood out for their aggressive style and accumulated cautionary records. Here’s a look at the top 10 players with the most yellow cards in the season.
10. Joelinton
- Yellow Cards: 10 | Fouls: 58 | Minutes Played: 2,404
Joelinton’s presence in Newcastle’s midfield has always been physical, and the 2024–25 campaign proved no different. With 10 yellow cards from 58 fouls, he constantly walked a fine line between effective pressing and disciplinary trouble. His energy was crucial, but it often came at a cost.
9. Lucas Paqueta
- Yellow Cards: 10 | Fouls: 53 | Minutes Played: 2,384
The Brazilian playmaker balanced flair with a gritty edge this season. Lucas Paqueta wasn’t shy in challenges, collecting 10 yellow cards. His fouls came mostly in transitional phases, indicating how important he was defensively as well as creatively for West Ham.
8. Ryan Yates
- Yellow Cards: 10 | Fouls: 53 | Minutes Played: 1,904
Yates had one of the highest foul-per-minute ratios in the Premier League this season. His tenacity helped Nottingham Forest battle in midfield, but his recklessness led to 10 bookings in under 2,000 minutes of football. His aggressive style, while valuable, became a yellow card magnet.
7. Moises Caicedo
- Yellow Cards: 11 | Fouls: 70 | Minutes Played: 3,356
Caicedo’s defensive work for Chelsea was unmatched in volume. With a whopping 70 fouls and 11 yellow cards, he patrolled the midfield tirelessly. However, his over-commitment in duels often got him penalized. His work rate was elite, but his discipline needed tweaking.
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6. Dan Burn
- Yellow Cards: 11 | Fouls: 34 | Minutes Played: 3,330
Despite not committing as many fouls, Dan Burn managed to get booked 11 times. As a defender, his challenges were often in critical situations, forcing the referee’s hand. His size and timing made him effective, but late tackles and shirt pulls added to his yellow card count.
5. Will Hughes
- Yellow Cards: 11 | Fouls: 65 | Minutes Played: 2,118
Will Hughes was a key disruptor in midfield for Crystal Palace. He fouled frequently, earning 11 yellow cards for his efforts. His combative approach was central to Palace’s defensive strategy, but it cost them in terms of free-kicks and disciplinary risks.
4. Manuel Ugarte
- Yellow Cards: 11 | Fouls: 41 | Minutes Played: 1,789
Despite playing fewer minutes than others on the list, Ugarte racked up 11 yellows with just 41 fouls, placing him among the players with the most yellow cards this season. This high caution-to-foul ratio reflects how risky some of his tackles were. Ugarte’s aggressive marking style made him a danger both to opponents and his own disciplinary record. His contribution to the most yellow cards tally highlights his physical presence in midfield.
3. Liam Delap
- Yellow Cards: 12 | Fouls: 72 | Minutes Played: 2,612
As a forward, Delap’s yellow card count was unusually high. His 72 fouls showed his relentless pressing and high work rate. However, his tendency to commit late or cynical fouls added up. His 12 yellow cards underline his physical approach as he matured in top-flight football.
2. Sasa Lukic
- Yellow Cards: 12 | Fouls: 66 | Minutes Played: 2,356
Lukic was a midfield enforcer throughout the season, consistently disrupting opposition play. As one of the players with the most yellow cards in the 2024–25 Premier League season, he received 12 bookings during critical match moments. His aggressive style was effective but often led to disciplinary issues. Despite his impact, Lukic’s tendency to commit fouls affected his team’s rhythm. Managing such intensity remains a key area for improvement in future campaigns.
1. Flynn Downes
- Yellow Cards: 12 | Fouls: 50 | Minutes Played: 2,154
Downes topped the chart for most yellow cards in the Premier League 2024–25. Despite committing fewer fouls than some of his peers, the nature of his infractions led to regular cautions. His style involved quick challenges and tactical fouls, earning him notoriety among referees and opponents alike.
The 2024–25 season proved how vital and volatile midfield and defensive roles can be. Players with the most yellow cards were not always reckless but often tactical, protecting their teams in tight situations. These records show just how fine the line is between smart fouls and costly ones in the high-stakes world of the Premier League.
FAQs
Q1. Who got the most yellow cards in the 2024–25 Premier League?
Flynn Downes received the most yellow cards with a total of 12 bookings.
Q2. Which player committed the most fouls this season?
Liam Delap committed the most fouls with 72, although he shared the top yellow card count with two others.
Q3. Are yellow cards reset during the season?
Yes, yellow cards are reset after a certain number of games, but accumulated cards can still lead to suspensions.
Q4. Which team had the players with most yellow cards?
No single team dominated the list, but Chelsea and Newcastle each had key players with high yellow card counts.
Q5. Do yellow card records impact a player’s reputation?
Yes, high yellow card counts often lead to reputations as aggressive or undisciplined, influencing referees’ future decisions.