Date of Birth: July 15, 1954
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Biography
Mario Alberto Kempes Chiodi, born on July 15, 1954, in Bell Ville, Argentina, is a retired Argentine footballer and manager. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation, Kempes is best known for his role in Argentina’s 1978 World Cup victory. He began his professional career with Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba before moving to Rosario Central, where his prolific scoring caught the attention of European clubs. Kempes signed with Valencia CF in 1976, where he became a legendary figure, winning two Pichichi Trophies as La Liga’s top scorer. After successful stints in other clubs, including River Plate and Hércules CF, Kempes transitioned into coaching and football punditry. His legacy in football remains indelible, especially in Argentina, where he is celebrated as a national hero.
5 Interesting Facts about Mario Kempes
1. Mario Kempes was the top scorer and the best player of the 1978 FIFA World Cup, leading Argentina to their first World Cup title.
2. He earned the nickname “El Matador” due to his lethal goal-scoring ability.
3. Kempes is one of the few players to have won both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball in a single World Cup tournament.
4. During his career in La Liga, Kempes scored 116 goals in 184 appearances for Valencia CF.
5. Kempes had a brief stint as a manager, including roles with clubs such as Pelita Jaya in Indonesia and Mineros de Guayana in Venezuela.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mario Kempes
1. “In football, the worst blindness is only seeing the ball.”
2. “Winning the World Cup was a dream come true not just for me but for every Argentine.”
3. “Goals are the product of teamwork, not individual brilliance.”
4. “Football is not just about scoring goals; it’s about creating moments and memories.”
5. “Every time I put on the Argentina shirt, it was a source of immense pride.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At his peak, Mario Kempes’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Mario Kempes has two daughters, Arianne and Magali.
Relevant Links
1. [Mario Kempes – FIFA Profile](https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player/63832/
4. [Mario Kempes on Football Punditry](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/10395/mario-kempes
5. [Mario Kempes Career Stats](https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j4307.html
