Starting as a newcomer on debut is a football player's worst possible scenario and has haunted many professionals throughout the sport's history.
While numerous football players have achieved remarkable debuts, there are many whose early careers were marked by disappointing performances.
Actually, this list is focused specifically on debutants who were given red cards.
Amara Nallo
Starting with the most recent case, the 18-year-old earned his Liverpool début as a substitute in a meaningless UEFA Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven in January 2025 when the Reds had already secured a spot in the next round under the management of Arne Slot.
The Dutch player introduced a practically inexperienced reserve bench consisting of young talent, featuring Nallo, who was sent off for a foolhardy challenge on Johan Bakayoko just four minutes into his debut.
It also meant he became the youngest player to be sent off in the club's 132-year history. Can't get any luckier, right?
Lionel Messi
While he has a career filled with iconic moments, one that many may have overlooked is the fact that he was sent off just 47 seconds into his debut for Argentina against Hungary in 2005.
Hungary's Vilmos Vanczák was sent off after making what was deemed an excessive tackle on Lionel Messi, resulting in the striking player being forced off the field in tears, contrary to the initial suspicions of the referee.
He received it, one of three red cards he had received during his entire career.
Joao Felix
The Portuguese player arrived on loan in January of 2023, coming from Atletico Madrid. He made his debut against Fulham under Graham Potter's coaching. Many forget just how impressive he was before being substituted; initially, he displayed a lot of potential at Craven Cottage.
However, his debut was cut short in the second half after his high and reckless challenge on Kenny Tete. Banned for three games after that, it was an unfortunate start. He later rejoined the club in a permanent deal in 2024.
Jonathan Woodgate
Jonathan Woodgate made his much-anticipated first start for Real Madrid in 2005, 13 months after the initial signing due to his recurring injuries.
It seemed the signs had been clear of what was to come before his debut against Athletic Club, particularly after such a long time on the sidelines. The desire to make a strong impression was evident, and this led to a self-inflicted goal in the 25th minute.
He then made a desperate attempt to win the ball back in the midst of the halftime break. However, he was given his marching orders in the 65th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless effort to thwart a counter-attack.
He played in only 13 more games after that before leaving Spain.
Chris Smalling
It was a signing that many might have overlooked, as the former Manchester United defender made his debut with the Saudi Pro League, joining Al-Fayha from AS Roma in September 2024.
He managed to shoot the ball into his own goal after just six minutes.
Following a rough beginning, his team surrendered two more goals before he was ejected for obstructing a scoring chance in the second half.
He has started every single match since then, yet his team remains precariously above the relegation zone.
Joe Cole
The player, who has been a fan favourite at Chelsea, left the club after a prolonged injury, signing a free transfer with Liverpool.
However, he was sent off just 45 minutes after starting for a vicious tackle on defender Laurent Koscielny.
In a surprising turn of events, the French player made his debut at Arsenal, but was ejected in the second half for a handball offense, resulting in a 1-1 draw that was a story of two debutantes seeing red.
Gervinho
The Ivorian made his debut on the opening weekend of the new season in 2011, away against Newcastle at St. James Park, but was sent off after a confrontation with the always contentious Joey Barton.
The Newcastle midfielder initially pulled him up from the ground after a challenge, which caused the winger's anger, prompting him to slap Barton, resulting in a mandatory straight red card.
Welcome to the English top-level football league system.
Serge Aurier
Often characterized as a hothead, Serge Aurier consistently appeared to be on the verge of something dramatic during his time at Tottenham – and it was something that originated from his very first appearance.
The player, a former defender for Paris Saint-Germain, received a controversial red card after committing a second yellow card offense in his first full game for the team against West Ham.
Luca Zidane
Watching with the world closely due to the attention surrounding his name, following his debut for Rayo Vallecano in 2021, he was given a red card just 16 minutes into his first match for the club against Sevilla.
He was beaten by a long ball over the top, which led to forward Oussama Idrissi getting past him. However, Zidane then pulled him back, which earned him a clear red card and a penalty.
His father gave him his full Real Madrid debut in 2018, although many people will recall his unsuccessful debut at Rayo.
Luis Suarez
He was involved in several controversies, and on his international debut in 2007, he was given his marching orders against Colombia in a 3-1 win.
He was sent off with a second yellow card just five minutes from the final whistle due to dissent.
Fortunately, he managed to rise to the position of one of his country's very best players after that, with his only other red card being THAT handball in the 2010 World Cup against Ghana.
Graeme Souness
Appointed as the Rangers player-manager in 1986, Graeme Souness set the standard himself on his debut in a match against Hibernian, demonstrating the qualities for which he was known by being given a red card for a reckless tackle in the 34th minute.
He later blamed assistant manager Walter Smith, who had warned him beforehand that Billy Kirkwood, whom Smith had managed at Dundee United, was likely to "leave one on him." As a result, Souness retaliated first, leaving Kirkwood with a bloody knee, which led to his red card.
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