Mario Kempes vs Per Mertesacker: Stats Compared
Striker, Argentina (born 1954, retired 1996) · Centre-Back, Germany (born 1984, retired 2018)
Mario Kempes versus Per Mertesacker is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. Greatness, in the end, is about who you inspired, and both left a footprint far beyond their own careers. Career output puts Mario Kempes at 350 goals in 600 games, with Per Mertesacker at 15 in 550. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Mario Kempes is listed at 0 and Per Mertesacker at 5 where figures survive. In major honours Mario Kempes collected 3 — headlined by 1× FIFA World Cup (1978) — whereas Per Mertesacker amassed 4, led by 1× FIFA World Cup (2014). History will file Mario Kempes under explosive greatness and Per Mertesacker under commanding greatness — different shelves, same temple. Their routes to the top were distinct: Mario Kempes built his reputation across Rosario Central, Valencia CF, River Plate, Valencia CF, Hércules CF, Austria Vienna, peaking around 1978, while Per Mertesacker reached his defining level around 2014 after spells with Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Arsenal. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
188 words · comparison angle: legacy
Player profiles
The talismanic top scorer of the 1978 World Cup, Kempes was Argentina's long-haired talisman and one of the first South American stars to shine in Spanish football.
“A powerful, direct forward who ran at defences from deep and finished with ferocious shooting power.”
A towering, calm German centre-back nicknamed 'BFG' by Arsenal fans, Mertesacker started every match of Germany's triumphant 2014 World Cup campaign.
“A commanding, positionally intelligent centre-back whose reading of the game compensated for a lack of raw pace.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 1× FIFA World Cup (1978)
- 1× UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1980)
- 1× Copa del Rey (1979)
- 1× FIFA World Cup (2014)
- 3× FA Cup (2014, 2015, 2017)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1973 Professional debut for Rosario Central
- 1978 Won FIFA World Cup with Valencia CF
- 1979 Won Copa del Rey with Valencia CF
- 1978 Reached the peak of his powers at Valencia CF
- 1996 Retired after a final spell at Austria Vienna
- Finished his career with 350 goals in 600 appearances and 3 major honours. Finished his career with 350 goals in 600 appearances and 3 major honours.
- 2001 Professional debut for Hannover 96
- 2014 Won FIFA World Cup with Arsenal
- 2014 Won FA Cup with Arsenal
- 2014 Reached the peak of his powers at Arsenal
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at Arsenal
- Finished his career with 15 goals in 550 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 15 goals in 550 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
If forced to pick, Mario Kempes is the choice: a decisive margin, with a sharper goalscoring record the deciding factor.
Mario Kempes edges it (a decisive margin)
