As we head into the quarter-final stage of the 2022 World Cup, there are plenty of interesting statistics to dissect. Of course, everyone knows about the top scorers in Qatar. But what about the most fouled players?
Let’s take a look at the top five most fouled players at the World Cup. As expected, there are some big-name players on the list.
Most fouls suffered in a single game at the 2018 World Cup: Neymar (10 vs. Switzerland)Most fouls suffered in a single game at the 2022 World Cup: Neymar (9 vs. Serbia)🤕😢 pic.twitter.com/Yjgoxpm2ko— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 25, 2022
Most fouls suffered in a single game at the 2018 World Cup: Neymar (10 vs. Switzerland)Most fouls suffered in a single game at the 2022 World Cup: Neymar (9 vs. Serbia)🤕😢 pic.twitter.com/Yjgoxpm2ko
Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr is currently the most fouled player at the World Cup, having been fouled a total of 17 times. The tricky Watford winger started every game for the African champions before falling to England in the round of 16.
Sarr clocked up 345 minutes in Qatar, meaning he was fouled once every 20 minutes on average. After enhancing his reputation on the biggest stage of all, the 24-year-old isn’t likely to remain at Watford for much longer.
It is no secret that Spain’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, with Morocco knocking out La Roja on penalties. Still, Spain midfielder Gavi can be proud of his efforts in Qatar.
The Barcelona teenager became his country’s youngest-ever World Cup scorer when he found the net in Spain’s 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica. On top of that, he was fouled on 14 occasions throughout the tournament.
Youssouf Sabaly is the second Senegal player in the top five most fouled players at the 2022 World Cup. The Real Betis right-back was fouled 12 times across four games, receiving an average of three fouls per game.
Sabaly played every second of Senegal’s World Cup campaign. However, he failed to help the Lions of Teranga record a clean sheet and also failed to provide a goal or assist.
It’s fair to say that Breel Embolo enjoyed himself in Qatar. Although Switzerland suffered a 6-1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 16, Embolo scored in wins over Cameroon and Serbia.
The Monaco forward was pivotal to Switzerland’s last-16 qualification, causing opposition defences plenty on problems. As a result, he was fouled on 12 occasions.
It is easy to forget that Neymar has only featured in two games at this year’s World Cup. After picking up an injury in Brazil’s opener, he missed the next two group games before returning in the round of 16.
The PSG superstar has clocked up just 160 minutes of action in Qatar, meaning he has been fouled once every 13 minutes on average. He also bagged a goal and an assist as Brazil hammered South Korea 4-1 last time out.