Mario Kempes

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Kempes' path to greatness started at Instituto, where he played alongside Osvaldo Ardiles, before moving to Rosario Central. There, he established himself as a remarkable goalscorer, netting 85 goals in just 105 matches. This prolific form attracted Valencia, where he would go on to win the Copa del Rey, the European Cup Winners' Cup, and the European Super Cup. Famous for his hard-working style, he often struck from outside the penalty area with surging runs rather than operating solely inside the box, making him difficult for defenders to handle.

In Their Own Story

At the age of 19, Kempes failed to score in the 1974 World Cup, but by 1978, he was determined to deliver on home soil. After a goalless start in the tournament's first round, he exploded onto the scene with six goals across three braces: two against Poland in the semi-final group stage, two against Peru, and the decisive pair against the Netherlands in the final. His second goal came in the 105th minute to win the game in extra time. Although he famously stopped a goal with his hand against Poland in the second round—resulting in a penalty saved by Ubaldo Fillol—he secured the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, becoming one of only three players to win all three major awards at a single World Cup.

Reader's Guide

Kempes' playing style was defined by his role as a box number 9 with exceptional left-footed prowess, speed, and lethal heading ability. His physical condition and reaction time made him a complete striker who could make a difference from the center-forward position. Before the 1978 World Cup, he was the only foreign-based player in coach César Luis Menotti's squad. After leaving Valencia in 1984, his career took him to Hércules, various Austrian clubs where his play declined in his 30s, and later stints in Indonesia, Chile, and Albania during the 1990s.

Did You Know?

• Kempes is one of only three players in history to win the Golden Boot, Golden Ball, and lead his team to World Cup victory at a single tournament (1978), alongside Garrincha (1962) and Paolo Rossi (1982).
• He scored 24 goals in the 1976–77 season and 28 goals in the 1977–78 season to win back-to-back Pichichi Trophies for La Liga's top scorer.
• In the 1978 World Cup final against the Netherlands, his second goal in the 105th minute was the game-winner in extra time, securing Argentina's first title.
• His father, Mario Quemp, was of German heritage, while his mother, Teresa Chiodi, was Italian; he was born in Bell Ville, Córdoba.
• Kempes became the first foreign manager to sign a foreign player in Albanian football history during his brief spell with Lushnja in 1997.