Gerardo Bedoya, a former Colombian professional footballer, etched his name in the annals of soccer history with a remarkable and somewhat infamous record – he holds the title of the player with the most red cards in the beautiful game.
Soccer, renowned for its physicality, occasionally witnesses intense matches where players, caught up in the heat of the moment, commit serious fouls or engage in confrontations with opponents or referees.
These actions often lead to players being booked, and in extreme cases, shown a straight red card, ejecting them from the game and resulting in prolonged suspensions or bans spanning several matches.
Now, let’s delve into a brief overview of his profile to better understand the journey of this player with a unique place in football history.
Gerardo Bedoya’s Career
Gerardo Bedoya, born on November 26, 1975, in Candelaria, Colombia, is a name that echoes through the world of football, known for both his skillful play and his fair share of controversies.
Kicking off his professional career with Millonarios in Colombia, Bedoya quickly became recognized for his aggressive and determined style on the field.
His nickname, “The Beast,” stuck with him as he played an impressive 552 games, scoring 52 goals across an array of 13 different clubs.
While the majority of his football story unfolded in Colombia, Bedoya took detours to Argentina, making notable stops at Racing Club de Avellaneda, Club Atlético Colón, and even a brief stint with the renowned Boca Juniors.
His football journey also included a stint in Mexico, where he wore the colors of Club Puebla in 2005.
However, Bedoya’s journey wasn’t without its share of controversies. In a fiery Colombian top-flight match in September 2012, representing Santa Fe, he found himself at the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.
An elbow followed by a kick to the head of Millonarios player Jhonny Ramirez resulted in a shocking 15-match ban, earning him the notorious title of the ‘World’s Dirtiest Footballer.’
Even as Bedoya transitioned into coaching, his penchant for volatility remained.
In 2016, during his coaching debut for Santa Fe, he was sent off just 21 minutes into the match, showcasing that his fiery nature persisted beyond his playing days.
Amidst the controversies, Bedoya also celebrated moments of triumph.
He won the Colombian League title with Deportivo Cali in 1998 and tasted success in the Primera División in Argentina with Racing Club de Avellaneda. Another Colombian league title followed in 2012 with Santa Fe
Yet, the highest level of Bedoya’s career was being part of the Colombian side that secured victory in the 2001 Copa America, hosted by Colombia.
In the final, Bedoya, playing at left-back, contributed to a historic 1-0 win over Mexico, with Iván Córdoba scoring the decisive goal in the 66th minute.
Gerardo Bedoya’s football journey is a tale of highs and lows, skill and controversy. Beyond the records and titles, his legacy is a unique chapter in the narrative of football, leaving tons of red cards in the way.
Referee Gives Linesman Red Card For Vomiting On The Touchline
Controversies and Challenges
Gerardo Bedoya’s impact on soccer is as much about controversy as it is about his skills.
Some admired his fierce dedication to the game, while others criticized his playing style for being overly physical and sometimes unsportsmanlike.
His aggressive approach on the field posed challenges for both him and the teams he played for, often leading to player suspensions due to disciplinary issues.
What truly makes Bedoya stand out is his disciplinary record, especially the astonishing number of red cards he received throughout his career.
His tough tackles and confrontations with opponents resulted in numerous dismissals from matches.
Bedoya’s notoriety reached a unique pinnacle – he holds the record for the most red cards in the history of professional football.
Gerardo Bedoya’s Red Cards by Club
| Team | Years | Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Deportivo Pereira | 1995–1997 | 2 |
| Deportivo Cali | 1998–2001, 2003 | 14 |
| Racing Club | 2001–2003 | 5 |
| Colón | 2004 | 2 |
| Atlético Nacional | 2005-2006 | 2 |
| Millonarios | 2006–2010 | 7 |
| Envigado | 2010 | 2 |
| Santa Fe | 2011–2013 | 10 |
| Cúcuta Deportivo | 2015 | 2 |
| Total | 46 | |
FAQs
Who has the most red cards in football history?
Gerardo Bedoya (46 red cards)
Who has the most red cards in Premier League history?
Duncan Ferguson – 8 red cards
Which football club has had the most red cards?
Everton – 107 red cards
As of now, the club holding the record for the most red cards in Premier League history is Everton.
Who has had more red cards between Messi and Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo -11 red cards
| Player | Number of red cards | Straight red cards |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 3 | 3 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 11 | 7 |
Which English team has the most red cards?
Everton
Everton holds the record for the most red cards in Premier League history, accumulating a staggering 107 red cards.
This averages to over three red cards per season. Arsenal closely follows with 103 red cards, showing the competitive and, at times, intense nature of the Premier League.
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