Mario Alberto Kempes (born July 15, 1954 in Belville, Córdoba) was an Argentine football striker.
Kempes was nicknamed The Matador from his time with Valencia, he won two consecutive Pichichis, scoring 24 and 28 goals in 1976-77 and 1977-78.
During his playing career he won 43 caps for Argentina and scored 20 times. He represented his country in three World Cups in 1974, 1978 and 1982, winning the competition in 1978. He was the leading goalscorer in the 1978 tournament, scoring six goals.
In 1978 he was named South American Football Player of the Year ("El Mundo", Caracas, Venezuela). He was named by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004.
Clubs
- Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba (1971 - 1973)
- Rosario Central (1974 - 76)
- Valencia CF (1977 - 1981 and 1982- 1984)
- Hércules Club de Futbol (1984 - 1986)
- First Vienna FC (1986 - 1987)
- VSE Sankt Pölten (1987 - 1990)
- Kremser SC (1990 - 1992)
- Fernandez Vial (1995)
- Pelita Jaya (1996)
Honors
- World Cup Golden Boot (1978, 6 goals)
- South American Coach and Player of the Year (By "El Mundo") - 1978
- Leading goalscorer of Liga
- 1976 - 1977 (24 goals)
- 1977 - 1978 (28 goals)
