Mario Kempes is a former professional footballer from Argentina. He is one of the most celebrated football players in the country and the Estadio Mario Alberto was named after him. In 1978, he was instrumental in helping Argentina win the 1978 FIFA World Cup. He has played for different football clubs, including Valencia, River Plate, and St. Pölten. After his club career, he served as a Team Manager for several clubs including Pelita Jaya, Lushnja, and San Fernando.
Player Profile and Youth Career
Mario Alberto Kempes Chiodi was born on July 15, 1954, in Bell Ville, Argentina. He stands 184 cm tall and he plays Striker and Attacking Midfielder.
He started his youth career with the Club Atlético y Biblioteca Bell in 1961. He also played for Taileres and before he signed a senior contract with Instituto, he also played for their youth division.
| Position | Forward |
| Height / weight | 1.84 m / |
| Born | 15 Jul 1954 |
| Nationality |
Argentina
|
| Team History | |
KS Lushnja
|
1996 |
| Club Deportivo Arturo Fernández Vial | 1995 |
| Pelita Bandung Raya | 1993 - 1994 |
| Kremser SC | 1990 - 1992 |
| SKN St. Pölten | 1987 - 1990 |
|
First Vienna 1894
|
1986 - 1987 |
Hercules CF
|
1984 - 1986 |
Valencia
|
1982 - 1984 |
|
Club Atletico River Plate
|
1981 - 1982 |
|
Valencia
|
1976 - 1981 |
|
Club Atletico Rosario Central
|
1973 - 1976 |
|
Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba
|
1970 - 1973 |
Professional Career
He played for Instituto from 1970 to 1973, making thirteen appearances. He then transferred to play for Rosario Central and there, he played in 107 matches, scoring 83 goals in total. This was followed by a five-year stint at Valencia where he made 142 appearances and scored 95 goals. In 1980, he helped them win the UEFA Super Cup.
While he was playing for Valencia, he also made a lot of headway with his National career and in 1978, he was not only awarded the FIFA World Golden Boot, but he also received the FIFA World Golden Ball. He was also named to that year’s FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.
After Valencia, he signed with River Plate for a season only to go back to Valencia for another two years. In 1984, he signed with Hercules. From 1984 until his retirement in 1996, he played for a number of clubs including First Vienna and Pelita Jaya.
After his club career, he started coaching. His first team was Pelita Jaya. In 1996, he both played and managed Lushnja. Other teams he managed include Mineros de Guayana, The Strongest, Blooming, Independiente Petrolero, Casarano, and San Fernando.
Career Highlights:
Valencia
- 1978–79 - Copa del Rey
- 1979–80 - UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
- 1980 - UEFA Super Cup
River Plate
- 1981 - Primera División: Nacional
National Career
- FIFA World Cup: 1978
Individual
- 1977, 1978 - Pichichi Trophy
- 1978 - FIFA World Cup Golden Boot
- 1978 - FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
- 1978 - FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
- Ballon d’Or: 1978
- 1978 - Onze d’Or
- 1978 - Olimpia de Plata
- 1978 - South American Footballer ofthe Year
- 1979–80 - UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup topscorers
- 2004 - FIFA 100
- 2007 - Golden Foot, as a footballlegend
Team History:
National Team
- 1973–1982 - Argentina
Teams Managed
- 1995–1996 - Pelita Jaya
- 1996 - Lushnja (player-manager)
- 1997–1998 - Mineros de Guayana
- 1999 - The Strongest
- 2000 - Blooming
- 2000–2001 - Independiente Petrolero
- 2001–2002 - Casarano
- 2002 - San Fernando
