Mario Kempes

Mario Kempes
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Name	Mario Alberto Kempes Chiodi
Caption	Kempes in 1978
Fullname	Mario Alberto Kempes Chiodi
Birth date	15 July 1954
Birth place	Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Height	1.77 m
Position	Striker, Second striker

Mario Kempes

Mario Kempes is an Argentine former professional footballer and coach, best known for starring as a forward during the 1970s and early 1980s. He played for prominent clubs in Argentina, Spain and Austria and was the top scorer and best player of the 1978 FIFA World Cup, helping Argentina win its first World Cup title. Kempes later pursued coaching and media work, remaining a recognizable figure in Argentine and international football.

Early life and youth career

Kempes was born in Rosario, Santa Fe, a city also associated with Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, Gabriel Batistuta, Ángel Coria and Rosario Central rivals like Newell's Old Boys. He began his youth career at local clubs including Club Atlético Juventud and the academy of Central Córdoba (Rosario), before joining the youth ranks of Club Atlético Rosario Central. In Rosario he grew up during an era that produced players linked to Argentina national team history and regional rivalries such as the derby with Newell's Old Boys.

Club career

Kempes made his senior breakthrough with Club Atlético Rosario Central, winning the Primera División Argentina title with teammates who later featured in domestic competitions and continental tournaments like the Copa Libertadores. In 1976 he transferred to Valencia CF in La Liga, joining other notable internationals who boosted Valencia's profile in the late 1970s and early 1980s. With Valencia he won the Copa del Rey and later the European Cup Winners' Cup, often partnering with forwards from Argentina and Europe who were part of the club's continental campaigns. After his first spell at Valencia he played for clubs such as River Plate, returning to Argentina briefly, then moved back to Europe with stints at Hertha BSC, F.C. Salzburg in Austria, and other teams across Spain and Mexico before winding down his playing career at smaller South American and European clubs. His club career intersected with competitions like the UEFA Cup and league campaigns in La Liga and the Bundesliga era while facing opponents from clubs such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and other European powerhouses.

International career

Kempes earned selection for the Argentina national football team and became a central figure in the squad coached by César Luis Menotti for the 1978 FIFA World Cup hosted in Argentina. He scored crucial goals in the tournament, including a brace in the final against the Netherlands and finished as both the top scorer and the tournament's best player, receiving the Golden Boot and Golden Ball honors. Kempes also featured in qualifiers and friendlies against nations such as Brazil, Uruguay and European sides, and he remained part of the national setup into the early 1980s, including participation in the 1979 Copa América cycles and 1982 FIFA World Cup qualifying phases. His international career included clashes with prominent players from the Dutch like Johan Cruyff-era stars and South American rivals such as Pelé-era veterans and newer talents like Diego Maradona who rose in later years.

Playing style and legacy

Kempes was known as a powerful and opportunistic forward, combining aerial ability with dribbling and finishing skills that drew comparisons with traditional South American strikers who excelled in both domestic and European contexts. Observers compared aspects of his game to that of prominent forwards from Argentina and Europe, and he is often mentioned alongside names such as Omar Sívori, Gabriel Batistuta, Hugo Sánchez, Luis Suárez Miramontes and contemporaries who defined attacking play in the 1970s and 1980s. His World Cup performances secured him a lasting legacy in Argentina alongside icons like Diego Maradona and Alfredo Di Stéfano in discussions of Argentine football history. Clubs and supporters at Valencia CF and Club Atlético Rosario Central continue to reference his impact in club histories, and his 1978 achievements are commemorated in museum exhibits and national football retrospectives.

Coaching and post-playing career

After retiring he embarked on coaching roles with lower-division and youth sides, taking charge at clubs across Argentina, Spain and Mexico, and working with academies and veteran teams that included former professionals from La Liga and regional leagues. Kempes also served as a sports commentator and pundit for media outlets covering tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and Copa Libertadores, contributing analysis alongside former players and journalists linked to Televisión Pública Argentina and international broadcasters. His coaching appointments intersected with managers from Argentina's coaching tree, including figures influenced by César Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo philosophies, and he participated in charity matches and ambassadorial roles for clubs like Valencia CF and Rosario Central.

Personal life and honours

Kempes's personal life included family ties in Rosario, public engagements with football institutions and appearances at commemorations for tournaments such as the 1978 FIFA World Cup. He received individual accolades including the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot and FIFA World Cup Golden Ball for 1978 and was awarded honors by clubs and municipal bodies in Argentina and Spain. Kempes has been the subject of documentaries and biographies that explore his career alongside other Argentine sporting figures like Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Gabriel Batistuta. He is frequently listed in halls of fame and historical rankings related to World Cup all-time top scorers and Argentine football legends.

Category:1954 births Category:Argentine footballers Category:Argentina international footballers Category:Living people