Discipline is a vital part of football, but sometimes, aggressive play leads to a high number of bookings. Yellow cards are shown to players for unsporting behavior, dissent, persistent fouling, and other infractions. While some players collect a few over a season, others set remarkable records for their frequent cautions. This article explores the top 10 footballers who received the most yellow cards in a single season across Europe’s top leagues. Each player on this list played with a combative edge—often essential to their team’s defensive or midfield stability, but occasionally costly. Read on to discover which players top this infamous leaderboard and what made their seasons so card-heavy.
10. Daniele Conti
- Yellow Cards in a Single Season – 17 Yellow Cards (2005–06, Serie A)
Daniele Conti, son of Roma legend Bruno Conti, made his name at Cagliari as a tough-tackling midfielder. During the 2005–06 Serie A season, he received 17 yellow cards, showcasing his aggressive style and defensive commitment. Known for strong challenges and man-marking, Conti often walked the disciplinary tightrope.
Despite the bookings, Conti remained a crucial player for Cagliari, helping them maintain Serie A status. His tactical fouls often broke up opposition attacks, but his reputation with referees likely increased the frequency of cards. This season stands as one of the highest for bookings in Italy’s top flight.
9. Lee Cattermole
- Yellow Cards in a Single Season– 17 Yellow Cards (2010–11, Premier League)
Lee Cattermole’s name is synonymous with tough midfield play. In the 2010–11 Premier League season, while at Sunderland, he received 17 yellow cards, showcasing his role as an enforcer. Cattermole’s approach was uncompromising, often putting himself at risk for disciplinary actions.
While fans admired his grit, his frequent cautions sometimes disrupted the team’s flow. Still, his ability to screen the defense and intercept passes made him valuable. His record that season remains one of the highest in English football for yellow cards, reflecting both his playing style and the league’s intensity.
8. Yannick Cahuzac
- Yellow Cards in a Single Season– 17 Yellow Cards (2016–17, Ligue 1)
Yannick Cahuzac was one of Ligue 1’s most aggressive players. In 2016–17, he collected 17 yellow cards playing for Bastia. A no-nonsense defensive midfielder, Cahuzac was known for his relentless pressure and combative duels in midfield.
His disciplinary record often overshadowed his tactical intelligence. Cahuzac’s presence in Bastia’s midfield was pivotal, but the high card count did affect his availability. Despite this, he maintained a leadership role and captained the side regularly, embodying grit and defiance even when the bookings mounted.
7. Gary Medel
- Yellow Cards in a Single Season– 18 Yellow Cards (2012–13, La Liga)
Nicknamed “Pitbull”, Gary Medel was one of La Liga’s most fiery players during his time at Sevilla. In the 2012–13 season, he earned 18 yellow cards, playing with trademark aggression and passion. Operating in defensive midfield or central defense, Medel’s tenacity was both an asset and liability.
He rarely backed out of a challenge, which often led to tactical fouls and cautions. However, Medel’s energy and fearless play inspired teammates. Despite the cards, he was a fan favorite and a crucial cog in Sevilla’s engine room that season.
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6. Felipe Melo
- Yellow Cards in a Single Season – 18 Yellow Cards (2014–15, Galatasaray)
Felipe Melo earned a reputation in Turkey for being one of the toughest midfielders. In 2014–15, while playing for Galatasaray, Melo received 18 yellow cards. His style combined aggressive tackling with emotional passion, often leading to confrontations.
Though controversial, Melo’s presence was essential in winning midfield battles. His physicality helped Galatasaray dominate possession and protect the backline. The high card count didn’t hinder his contributions, but it did reflect his all-action approach and occasional recklessness.
5. Raul Garcia
- Yellow Cards in a Single Season– 18 Yellow Cards (2014–15, La Liga)
Raul Garcia had an outstanding season in 2014–15, not only for his goal contributions but also for his defensive work rate. Playing for Atlético Madrid, Garcia picked up 18 yellow cards, a testament to his high pressing and robust style under Diego Simeone.
His tactical fouls were often deliberate, stopping opposition counters. While not traditionally a “dirty” player, Garcia’s physical commitment made him vulnerable to cautions. His intensity was key to Atlético’s aggressive style, but it came at the cost of frequent disciplinary actions.
4. David Albelda
- Yellow Cards in a Single Season – 19 Yellow Cards (2002–03, La Liga)
David Albelda was a midfield general for Valencia and collected 19 yellow cards during the 2002–03 La Liga season. Known for his defensive duties and leadership, Albelda often took risks to stop dangerous attacks.
He played with discipline but wasn’t afraid to sacrifice personal caution for team safety. His fouls often broke up promising plays, a key role in Valencia’s tactical setup. His card tally stood out as one of La Liga’s highest, emphasizing how integral he was in a combative role.
3. Alberto Zapater
- Yellow Cards in a Single Season– 19 Yellow Cards (2007–08, La Liga)
In the 2007–08 season, Alberto Zapater received 19 yellow cards while playing for Real Zaragoza. A versatile midfielder, Zapater was crucial in disrupting opponents’ rhythm, often through hard tackles and late challenges.
While not malicious, Zapater’s timing often led to cautions. His high number of bookings affected his availability during the season, but his commitment was undeniable. He was a tireless worker and a fan favorite, known for putting the team above himself.
2. Jaime Romero
- Yellow Cards in a Single Season– 20 Yellow Cards (2013–14, Segunda División)
Jaime Romero holds the record for most yellow cards in a single Segunda División season, receiving 20 in 2013–14. Playing as a winger or attacking midfielder, Romero’s bookings were unusual given his position.
He often tracked back to defend and committed fouls in transition. His defensive contributions came at a price, as his cautions accumulated over the season. Though not a traditional destroyer, Romero’s work rate and aggression set him apart—even if it meant seeing yellow frequently.
1. Gerardo Torrado
- Yellow Cards in a Single Season– 20 Yellow Cards (2006–07 , Liga MX)
Gerardo Torrado leads the all-time chart with 20 yellow cards in a single season. The Mexican midfielder was known for his rough, physical style and leadership. In 2006–07, he was a vital part of Cruz Azul’s midfield, consistently breaking up play and protecting the defense.
Torrado’s card count reflected his defensive duties and no-nonsense approach. Despite the bookings, he rarely got sent off, showing control in most cases. His record stands as a reminder of how important—even if risky—a destroyer can be in a team setup.
Top 10 Most Yellow Cards in a Season – Stats Table
| Rank | Player | Yellow Cards | Season | League | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gerardo Torrado | 20 | 2006–07 | Liga MX | Cruz Azul |
| 2 | Jaime Romero | 20 | 2013–14 | Segunda División | Lugo |
| 3 | Alberto Zapater | 19 | 2007–08 | La Liga | Zaragoza |
| 4 | David Albelda | 19 | 2002–03 | La Liga | Valencia |
| 5 | Raul Garcia | 18 | 2014–15 | La Liga | Atlético Madrid |
| 6 | Felipe Melo | 18 | 2014–15 | Süper Lig | Galatasaray |
| 7 | Gary Medel | 18 | 2012–13 | La Liga | Sevilla |
| 8 | Yannick Cahuzac | 17 | 2016–17 | Ligue 1 | Bastia |
| 9 | Lee Cattermole | 17 | 2010–11 | Premier League | Sunderland |
| 10 | Daniele Conti | 17 | 2005–06 | Serie A | Cagliari |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who has received the most yellow cards in a single season?
Cristian Săpunaru and Nikola Žigić share the record, each receiving 20 yellow cards in a single season.
Q2: Which club had the most players with high yellow card counts?
Espanyol featured twice in the top 10 with Víctor Sánchez and Juan Daniel Forlín both earning 18 yellow cards.
Q3: Is it common for attackers to get many yellow cards?
Not usually. Nikola Žigić is a rare case of a forward reaching 20 yellow cards in a single season.
Q4: What position gets the most yellow cards typically?
Defenders and defensive midfielders receive the most yellow cards due to the nature of their roles in breaking up play.
Q5: Are these yellow card records league-specific or all competitions?
These numbers are based on league appearances only, not including cup or continental competitions.
