What Happened to Mario Alberto Kempes Chiodi?
Mario Kempes, nicknamed 'El Matador,' is an Argentine football legend best known for leading Argentina to their first FIFA World Cup victory in 1978, where he was the tournament's top scorer and best player. After a prolific playing career with clubs like Valencia CF, he transitioned into coaching and is now a prominent football analyst and commentator for ESPN Deportes, actively discussing current football events up to March 2026.
Quick Answer
Mario Kempes is an iconic Argentine former footballer who famously spearheaded Argentina's 1978 World Cup triumph, earning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. Following his playing and brief coaching career, he became a highly respected football analyst and commentator for ESPN Deportes, a role he continues to hold as of March 2026, providing insights on major football events, including the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Bell Ville, Argentina
Mario Alberto Kempes Chiodi is born in Bell Ville, Córdoba, Argentina.
Begins Senior Club Career at Instituto
Kempes starts his professional football career with local club Instituto.
Moves to Rosario Central
After impressing at Instituto, Kempes transfers to Rosario Central, where he becomes a prolific goalscorer.
Joins Valencia CF
Kempes moves to Spain to play for Valencia CF, where he quickly establishes himself as a star striker.
Leads Argentina to World Cup Glory
Kempes scores six goals, including two in the final, to lead Argentina to their first FIFA World Cup title, winning the Golden Boot and Golden Ball.
Wins European Trophies with Valencia
Kempes helps Valencia win the European Cup Winners' Cup and the UEFA Super Cup, adding to their Copa del Rey victory in 1979.
Retires from Professional Football
After a career spanning several clubs across different countries, Kempes officially retires from playing professional football.
Begins Career as ESPN Commentator
Kempes transitions into broadcasting, joining ESPN Deportes as a football analyst and commentator.
Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes Renamed
The Estadio Córdoba, one of Argentina's largest stadiums, is officially renamed Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in his honor. (Implicitly from current news, actual renaming was in 2010).
Undergoes Heart Bypass Surgery
Kempes undergoes emergency six-bypass heart surgery in Connecticut after doctors discover severely clogged arteries.
Returns to ESPN After Surgery
Following a successful recovery, Kempes returns to his commentary duties at ESPN.
Continues FIFA/EA Sports FC Commentary
Kempes continues to provide Spanish-language commentary for the EA Sports FC video game series, having previously done so for the FIFA franchise since FIFA 13.
Comments on Messi's 2026 World Cup Chances
Kempes expresses optimism about Lionel Messi's potential to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the less demanding MLS schedule.
Commentates on La Liga for ESPN
Mario Kempes is listed as a Spanish commentator for a La Liga Matchday 26 game between FC Barcelona and Villarreal on ESPN.
Stadium Named After Him Hosts Match
The Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba hosts a match between Instituto and Unión, highlighting his lasting legacy in Argentine football.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Mario Alberto Kempes, born on July 15, 1954, in Bell Ville, Argentina, rose to prominence as a formidable striker known for his powerful runs and goal-scoring prowess, earning him the moniker 'El Matador.' His club career saw him shine brightest at Valencia CF, where he became a club legend, twice finishing as La Liga's top scorer (Pichichi trophy) in the 1976-77 and 1977-78 seasons. With Valencia, he secured significant silverware, including the Copa del Rey in 1979 and both the European Cup Winners' Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 1980.
Kempes's defining moment came in 1978 when he led the Argentina national team to their first-ever FIFA World Cup title on home soil. Despite a slow start in the tournament, he famously scored six goals, including two crucial goals in the final against the Netherlands, securing the Golden Boot as the top goalscorer and the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. He was notably the only foreign-based player in César Luis Menotti's Argentina squad for that World Cup.
After retiring from playing in 1996 following stints with various clubs, including in Austria, Indonesia, and Chile, Kempes ventured into a managerial career, coaching teams in Indonesia, Albania, Venezuela, and Bolivia until 2002. However, his most enduring post-playing role has been in broadcasting. Since 2004, he has been a prominent football analyst and commentator for ESPN Deportes, providing Spanish-language commentary for major football events and video game franchises like FIFA (up to FIFA 23) and the current EA Sports FC series (starting with EA Sports FC 24).
In September 2014, Kempes underwent emergency heart bypass surgery in Connecticut after doctors discovered severely clogged arteries during routine checks for a hip operation. He made a swift recovery, returning to his commentary duties at ESPN in November 2014. As of March 2026, Kempes continues his active role at ESPN, regularly offering his expert analysis on current football affairs. He has recently commented on Lionel Messi's potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing optimism about Messi's fitness due to the less demanding MLS schedule. He also continues to participate in events and discussions, maintaining his status as a revered figure in the football world.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Mario Alberto Kempes Chiodi made different choices?