What happened to Gerardo Bedoya, the ‘world’s dirtiest footballer’ who received 45 red cards in his career

Gerardo Bedoya earned a reputation as the ‘world’s dirtiest footballer’ after receiving the most red cards in history across his career.

Known as 'The General', Bedoya accumulated 45 red cards during a 20-year playing career which ended in 2015, while he has since had a further two dismissals from the dugout.

Indeed, he was sent off just 21 minutes into his first role as an assistant coach in 2016.

Moreover, perhaps the most remembered dismissal was his 41st red card, awarded for elbowing an opponent and subsequently kicking out at the floored player's head. Bedoya received a 15-match ban.

The 47-year-old had a relatively successful career beyond his disciplinary record. He was a key part of Colombia's only major footballing triumph at the 2001 Copa America, where his strike helped his nation overcome Honduras in the semi-finals. They would go on to beat Mexico 1-0 in the final.

The same year his 86th-minute strike for Argentina's Racing against title rivals River Plate earned a 1-1 draw to keep Racing top and ultimately secure the 2001 Apertura championship, the club’s first title in 35 years.

Furthermore, in his native Colombia, he helped Independiente Santa Fe end their own 37-year wait for a title in 2012.

Bedoya's world record does not appear under threat any time soon. Of those still with a chance of eclipsing his tally, Sergio Ramos is closest on 28 dismissals.

However, at 37 years old the Spaniard is unlikely to get anywhere close in the twilight of his career.

Meanwhile, Bedoya is currently unemployed, having departed a caretaker manager role at his beloved Santa Fe last month. It was his third spell taking charge of the Colombia side in a caretaker capacity.

Bedoya’s only permanent manager role was with Real Soacha Cundinamarca, where he took charge of 24 matches and claimed 1.21 points per game before his dismissal last August.

As a manager, he is also attempting to “rewrite his reputation".

Colombian football journalist Carl Worswick told BBC Sport: "He always makes the point that he doesn't have any enemies now.

"Since he retired he has been quite outspoken in trying to rewrite his reputation. He believes he gave it his all and the fans loved him for it."

SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated news channel to send you the latest news, features and plenty more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.