Dennis Bergkamp vs Mario Kempes: Stats Compared
Second Striker, Netherlands (born 1969, retired 2006) · Striker, Argentina (born 1954, retired 1996)
When Dennis Bergkamp and Mario Kempes are mentioned in the same breath, opinions rarely stay quiet. Both built reputations on finding the back of the net, but they did it in markedly different ways. The raw numbers read 290 goals in 795 outings for Dennis Bergkamp (0.36/game), versus 350 in 600 for Mario Kempes (0.58/game). Reliable assist tallies simply do not exist for large stretches of their careers, leaving creativity to the eye rather than the spreadsheet. Trophy counts give Dennis Bergkamp 10 and Mario Kempes 3, with 1× UEFA Cup (1992) and 1× FIFA World Cup (1978) the standout honours respectively. Dennis Bergkamp scored with a dictatorial that defined his era, while Mario Kempes's finishing carried a ruthless all of its own. Their routes to the top were distinct: Dennis Bergkamp built his reputation across Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal, peaking around 2002, while Mario Kempes reached his defining level around 1978 after spells with Rosario Central, Valencia CF, River Plate, Valencia CF, Hércules CF, Austria Vienna. Greatness, in cases like this, is rarely a zero-sum affair.
177 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
Dutch forward and Arsenal icon renowned for his technical brilliance; three-time Premier League winner with the Gunners.
“A statuesque second striker whose first touch and vision created beauty wherever he played.”
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 Cup (1992)
- 1× UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1987)
- 1× Eredivisie (1990)
- 3× Premier League (1998, 2002, 2004)
- 4× FA Cup (1998, 2002, 2003, 2005)
- 1× FIFA World Cup (1978)
- 1× UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1980)
- 1× Copa del Rey (1979)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1986 Ajax debut
- 1990 Won the Eredivisie with Ajax
- 1993 Joined Inter Milan in an unhappy spell
- 1998 Scored iconic World Cup goal against Argentina
- 2002 Won the Premier League and FA Cup double
- 2004 Part of Arsenal's Invincibles season
- 2006 Final Emirates Stadium farewell
- 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
If forced to pick, Dennis Bergkamp is the choice: a decisive margin, with a weightier trophy cabinet the deciding factor.
Dennis Bergkamp edges it (a decisive margin)
