How Many Times Has Cristiano Ronaldo Been Shown Red Card in His Career Before Getting Sent Off vs Al Hilal in Saudi Super League?

Cristiano Ronaldo is making headlines for the obvious reasons. Just hours ago, the Portuguese superstar was sent off during Al Nassr’s Saudi Super Cup semi-final clash against Al Hilal. The misfortune grew even more as he failed to save his side with a 2-1 loss against its formidable rivals. With Ronaldo’s red card becoming a talking point for the fans, attention naturally turns to his disciplinary history. A question looms as to how many red cards he has received in his career so far.

Even a player of Ronaldo’s caliber is capable of being part of temper-filled occasions that result in getting sent off. Before tonight’s match, the Portuguese superstar had been sent off over 11 times. Tonight’s sending-off marked Ronaldo’s 12th red card. In his early Manchester United days, he has seen over 4 red cards. The first-ever suspension came during a Premier League match against Aston Villa that was held on May 15, 2004. Interestingly, the remaining 3 red cards had also come in league games. 

Having left the Red Devils for Real Madrid, Ronaldo picked up over 6 red cards, the most he has received among all the clubs he has represented in his domestic career. Additionally, he kept the tradition alive when he moved to Juventus in 2018. However, with the Italians, the 5x Ballon d’Or winner had to leave the pitch just once. The red card he picked in Al Nassr’s Saudi Super Clash against Al Hilal also marks his first red card so far. 

Moreover, Ronaldo has also never been sent off in his international career with Portugal. Either way, this further brings up a question as to where Ronaldo stands in the list of highest red cards received by players.

Where does Cristiano Ronaldo stand in the all-time list of players with the most red cards?

A sigh of relief as Cristiano Ronaldo stands beyond the top 10 in the all-time list of players with the most red cards. Colombian defender Gerardo Bedoya tops the list with 46 red cards, followed by CR7’s former Real Madrid teammate, Sergio Ramos, with a tally of 29. The list continues with names such as Cyril Rool (27), Alexis Ruano Delgado (22), Paolo Montero, and Rafael Marquez (21).

Felipe Melo and Matteo Contini (20), Fernando Amorebieta (19), and Garry Medal (18) somehow make the top 10. On the other hand, Ronaldo’s long-term rival, Lionel Messi, has received just 3 red cards, out of which 2 were picked up by La Pulga while representing Argentina and one during his Barcelona stint. Be that as it may, it is quite a remarkable list, which will certainly stir a debate among the soccer fraternity.