Mario Kempes Biography: The Life And Career Of The Legendary Argentine Footballer

Mario Kempes is a former Argentine footballer who is considered one of the greatest players in the country’s history. Born on July 15, 1954, in Bell Ville, Córdoba, Kempes started playing football at a young age and quickly gained a reputation as a talented striker. He went on to have a successful career both in Argentina and internationally, representing his country in three World Cups and winning the competition in 1978.

Kempes began his professional career playing for Instituto de Córdoba in 1970 before moving on to Rosario Central and then to Valencia CF in Spain. It was during his time at Valencia that he became a household name, scoring 116 goals in 184 appearances and helping the team win two Copa del Rey titles. He also won the Pichichi Trophy twice, which is awarded to the top scorer in La Liga. Kempes later played for other clubs, including River Plate, Hercules, and St. Pölten, before retiring from football in 1996.

Key Takeaways

Mario Kempes is a former Argentine footballer who is considered one of the greatest players in Argentina’s history.
Kempes had a successful career playing for clubs like Valencia CF, River Plate, and Hercules, and represented Argentina in three World Cups, winning the competition in 1978.
Kempes won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the Pichichi Trophy twice and two Copa del Rey titles with Valencia.

Early Life

Mario Alberto Kempes Chiodi was born on July 15th, 1954, in Bell Ville, a city in the province of Córdoba, Argentina. From a young age, Kempes was inspired by his father to play football. He played on the streets with his friends and began to play organized football at the age of seven.

Kempes played for several local teams in his hometown before being discovered by scouts from the Argentine club, Rosario Central. He joined the club’s youth academy at the age of 14 and quickly rose through the ranks to make his professional debut at the age of 18.

Kempes’ early career was marked by success, and he quickly became one of the most promising young players in Argentina. He was known for his speed, agility, and powerful left foot, which made him a dangerous striker on the field.

Despite his success, Kempes’ early life was not without its challenges. He grew up in a working-class family, and his parents struggled to make ends meet. Kempes also faced discrimination early in his career due to his indigenous heritage, which was often looked down upon in Argentine society at the time. Despite these obstacles, Kempes remained determined to succeed and worked hard to become one of the greatest footballers of his generation.

Professional Career

Club Career

Mario Kempes began his professional career with Rosario Central in 1970 and played for the club until 1973. He then moved to Instituto de Córdoba, where he played for two seasons before joining Valencia CF in Spain in 1976. Kempes played for Valencia CF for six seasons, during which he won the Copa del Rey in 1979 and the UEFA Cup in 1980. He also won the Pichichi Trophy in 1977 and 1978, awarded to the top scorer in La Liga.

After leaving Valencia CF in 1981, Kempes played for several clubs in Europe and South America, including River Plate, Hércules CF, and St. Pölten. He retired from professional football in 1996 at the age of 42.

International Career

Kempes played for the Argentina national team from 1973 to 1982 and was a key member of the team that won the 1978 FIFA World Cup. He scored six goals in the tournament, including two in the final against the Netherlands. Kempes also played in the 1982 World Cup, where Argentina was eliminated in the second round.

In total, Kempes played 43 matches for the Argentina national team and scored 20 goals. He was known for his powerful left foot and his ability to score from long range.

Career Achievements

Mario Kempes had a successful career as a professional footballer, winning numerous individual awards and team titles throughout his career.

Individual Awards

Kempes won several individual awards during his career, including the Footballer of the Year award in 1978. He was also the top scorer in La Liga during the 1977-78 season, and won the Golden Boot award for being the top scorer in the 1978 World Cup.

Team Titles

Kempes won several team titles throughout his career. He won the Copa del Rey with Valencia in 1979 and 1980, and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1980. He also won the Argentine Primera Division with River Plate in 1981.

Kempes is perhaps best known for his role in Argentina’s victory in the 1978 World Cup. He scored six goals in the tournament, including two in the final against the Netherlands. Argentina won the tournament 3-1, with Kempes being named the player of the tournament.

Overall, Kempes had a successful career as a professional footballer, winning numerous individual awards and team titles. His performance in the 1978 World Cup cemented his place in football history as one of the greatest players of all time.

Post-Retirement Life

Mario Kempes retired from professional football in 1996 and began a career in coaching. He managed several teams, including Lushnja in Albania and Venezuelan side Mineros de Guayana. He also served as the head coach of the Argentine national team for a brief period.

Coaching Career

Kempes made his full-time managing debut in Albania with Lushnja. He became the first foreign manager to sign a foreign player in Albanian football history during his brief spell with the team in 1997. However, his career in Albania came to a quick end the same year.

In 1998, Kempes landed a job with Venezuelan side Mineros de Guayana, where he managed the team for a season. He also coached several other teams, including Indonesian club Persija Jakarta and Costa Rican side Herediano.

Kempes was appointed as the head coach of the Argentine national team in 2009. However, his tenure was short-lived, and he was replaced by Sergio Batista in 2010.

Media Appearances

In addition to his coaching career, Kempes has also made several media appearances. He worked as a commentator for ESPN’s Spanish-language coverage of the 2010 World Cup and was a studio analyst for the 2014 World Cup. He has also appeared as a guest on several football-related shows.

Kempes is also the author of several books, including his autobiography “El Matador” and “La Albiceleste,” a book about the history of the Argentine national team.

Overall, Kempes has had a successful post-retirement career in coaching and media.

Legacy and Impact on Football

Mario Kempes left a lasting legacy in the world of football. His impressive performances during the 1978 World Cup, where he led Argentina to victory, cemented his place in football history. Kempes’ success inspired future generations of Argentine football players, including Gabriel Batistuta, who cited Kempes as a major influence on his career.

Kempes’ impact on football was not limited to Argentina. He played for several top clubs throughout his career, including Valencia in Spain, where he won the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey. Kempes’ success in Spain helped pave the way for other Argentine players to make their mark in European football.

Off the field, Kempes has remained a prominent figure in the world of football. He has worked as a commentator and analyst for several major television networks, including ESPN and Fox Sports. Kempes has also been involved in various charitable organizations, using his platform to help improve the lives of others.

Overall, Mario Kempes’ impact on football has been significant. His success on the field and his contributions off the field have helped shape the sport into what it is today. Kempes’ legacy is sure to live on for generations to come.

Personal Life

Mario Kempes was born on July 15, 1954, in Bell Ville, Argentina. He grew up in a football-loving family and started playing the sport at a young age. Kempes has been married to his wife, Mariana, since 1977, and they have three children together.

Off the pitch, Kempes is known for his love of music and has released several albums in his native Argentina. He is also a keen golfer and enjoys spending time on the course in his free time.

Kempes has been involved in several philanthropic efforts throughout his career, including supporting children’s hospitals and charities that help underprivileged youth. He has also been an advocate for environmental conservation and has spoken out about the importance of protecting the planet.

Overall, Kempes is a well-rounded individual who has made significant contributions both on and off the football pitch. His dedication to philanthropy and environmental conservation has earned him respect and admiration from fans around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What teams did Mario Kempes play for?

Mario Kempes played for several teams during his career as a professional footballer. He started his career with the Argentine club Instituto de Córdoba in 1970 and later played for Rosario Central, Valencia, River Plate, and Hercules. He also played for the national team of Argentina.

When did Mario Kempes retire?

Mario Kempes retired from professional football in 1996 at the age of 42.

Where is Mario Kempes from?

Mario Kempes was born in Bell Ville, Argentina.

How tall is Mario Kempes?

Mario Kempes is 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches) tall.

What is Mario Kempes doing now?

As of October 2023, it is unclear what Mario Kempes is doing now.

What was Mario Kempes’ jersey number?

Mario Kempes wore the number 10 jersey during his time with the Argentine national team. However, his jersey number varied during his club career.