Mario Kempes

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Mario Kempes is one of only three players in World Cup history to win the tournament, the Golden Boot, and the Golden Ball at a single World Cup, an achievement he shares with Garrincha and Paolo Rossi. In 2004, he was named to the FIFA 100, a list of the 125 greatest living footballers compiled by Pelé. In 2015, the Argentinian Football Association selected him for their all-time team. His legendary status is cemented by his decisive role in Argentina's first World Cup triumph.

AwardsKempes won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball at the 1978 World Cup, the only player alongside Garrincha and Paolo Rossi to achieve both in a single tournament. He also won South American Footballer of the Year and Onze d'Or in 1978. At club level, he won the Copa del Rey, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and UEFA Super Cup with Valencia, and twice won the Pichichi Trophy as La Liga's top scorer.

Honours & Distinctions

FIFA 100

FIFA·2004

Named as one of the Top 125 greatest living footballers as part of FIFA's 100th anniversary celebration.

Argentinian Football Association Team of All-Time

Argentinian Football Association·2015

Selected in the all-time national team nearly 20 years after his retirement.

Rankings & Lists

#Included

FIFA 100

FIFA·2004

Records & Feats

Only player to win World Cup, Golden Boot, and Golden Ball in a single tournament

Historic First·1978

One of only three players in World Cup history (alongside Garrincha 1962 and Paolo Rossi 1982) to have won the World Cup, the Golden Boot as top scorer, and the Golden Ball as best player at the same tournament.

First Argentine to win Golden Ball

Historic First·1978

Kempes was the first Argentine player to win the Golden Ball award for best player at a FIFA World Cup.