Arjen Robben vs Mario Kempes: Stats Compared
Right Winger, Netherlands (born 1984, retired 2019) · Striker, Argentina (born 1954, retired 1996)
Arjen Robben versus Mario Kempes is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. Legacy is the only real measure that outlives the numbers, and both have staked towering claims. Career output puts Arjen Robben at 246 goals in 614 games, with Mario Kempes at 350 in 600. Because assists were not systematically tracked for much of their time, that side of the comparison rests on the footage that survives. Arjen Robben departs the game with 9 major pieces of silverware, including 1× UEFA Champions League (2013); Mario Kempes with 3, including 1× FIFA World Cup (1978). History will file Arjen Robben under flair-driven greatness and Mario Kempes under flair-driven greatness — different shelves, same temple. Their routes to the top were distinct: Arjen Robben built his reputation across PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Groningen, peaking around 2013, while Mario Kempes reached his defining level around 1978 after spells with Rosario Central, Valencia CF, River Plate, Valencia CF, Hércules CF, Austria Vienna. Picking between them says as much about the picker as the players.
174 words · comparison angle: legacy
Player profiles
Arjen Robben is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a winger. Known for his dribbling skills, speed, and long-range shots, he is regarded as one of the best players of his generation and one of the greatest wingers of all time. He ranks second for the all-time Dutch top goalscorers (32) in the UEFA Champions League and is the all-time Dutch top assist provider (19) in the competition.
“A devastating inverted winger whose cut inside and left-foot finish became a signature.”
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.”
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× UEFA Champions League (2013)
- 1× FIFA World Cup (1978)
- 1× UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1980)
- 1× Copa del Rey (1979)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2005 Established himself at PSV
- 2009 Reached his defining peak
- 2013 Delivered a landmark season
- 2019 Retired from professional football
- 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.
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Arjen Robben takes it by a narrow margin.
Arjen Robben edges it (a narrow margin)
