Throughout soccer history, there’s never been a shortage of drama between players and the governing bodies that try (and sometimes fail) to keep them in line. On one hand, you've got young, fiery players making impulsive decisions. On the other, there are the football associations with their maze of rules, red tape, and traditions. Let’s dive into some of the Top 15 most memorable football bans in the game’s history and see what happens when things go wrong on and off the pitch!

1. Dibu Martínez – 2 matches

Dibu thought the World Cup trophy was his personal toy and got a little too cheeky with it. FIFA didn't find it funny, slapping him with a 2-game ban for his "creative" celebration.

2. Lionel Messi – 4 matches

Messi, the legend himself, got a 4-game suspension after hurling a choice regional insult at Brazilian sideline ref Emerson Augusto do Carvalho. Even the greatest have their slip-ups.

3. Luis Suárez – 4 months & 9 matches

Suárez took a page from a vampire novel, biting Chiellini's shoulder mid-match during the World Cup. FIFA decided to give him some time to chew things over—9 matches plus a 4-month vacation.

4. Joao Pinto – 6 months

In a World Cup clash between Portugal and South Korea, Joao Pinto sneaked in a punch to Argentine referee Ángel Sánchez’s ribs. FIFA swiftly knocked him out of action for 6 months.

5. David Navarro – 6 months

In a heated Champions League match between Valencia and Inter, Navarro broke Nicolás Burdisso’s nose with a punch, earning him a 6-month ban and a not-so-glorious place in football infamy.

6. Paolo Di Canio – 11 matches

Di Canio made headlines for all the wrong reasons after pushing referee Paul Alcock to the ground in a match against Arsenal. FIFA gave him 11 matches to work on his anger management.

7. Rio Ferdinand – 8 months

Rio skipped a mandatory drug test, and FIFA didn’t take it lightly. The result? An 8-month suspension and a front-row seat to England’s Euro 2004 run—from his couch.

8. Eric Cantona – 9 months

Cantona, always the entertainer, delivered a kung-fu kick to a Crystal Palace fan after some racially charged heckling. FIFA and the FA responded with a 9-month ban, giving Cantona time to reflect (or not).

9. Sandro Tonali – 10 months

Tonali gambled on the game he loved and lost big. Italy’s gambling regulations benched him for 10 months—maybe he should stick to cards or Fantasy Football?

10. Diego Maradona – 15 months (twice!)

Maradona’s battle with drugs led to two 15-month bans, adding some unwanted drama to his legendary career. Not one to stay out of trouble, he also picked up a 2-month ban after telling the press exactly what he thought about them post-World Cup qualification vs Uruguay.

11. Joey Barton – 18 months

Barton placed 1,260 football bets, breaking FA rules and scoring himself an 18-month ban. Next time, he should leave the gambling to the bookies.

12. Paul Pogba – 4 years

Pogba’s doping test came back positive for testosterone, and FIFA showed no mercy, hitting him with a massive 4-year ban. Plenty of time to grow out those iconic hairstyles.

13. Andoni Goikoetxea – 18 matches

Known as the "Butcher of Bilbao", Goikoetxea’s brutal tackle on Maradona sent the Argentine legend to the hospital and earned Goikoetxea an 18-match suspension. Ouch!

14. Enoch West – 30 years

Back in 1915, Enoch West got caught in a betting scandal that led to a 30-year ban. He could’ve avoided it by joining WWI, but instead, he doubled down on a lifetime of regret.

15. Roberto Rojas – Lifetime ban

Rojas faked an injury with a hidden razor blade during a World Cup qualifier, trying to blame the Brazilian fans for his "wound." FIFA called his bluff and banned him for life.