Raúl vs Mario Kempes: Stats Compared
Striker, Spain (born 1977, retired 2015) · Striker, Argentina (born 1954, retired 1996)
The Raúl–Mario Kempes comparison is one of those fixtures of footballing folklore. Trophies, more than goals, are how most supporters ultimately remember a career. The raw numbers read 432 goals in 1032 outings for Raúl (0.42/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. In major honours Raúl collected 16 — headlined by 3× UEFA Champions League (1998, 2000, 2002) — whereas Mario Kempes amassed 3, led by 1× FIFA World Cup (1978). One lifted trophies through explosive reliability, the other through clinical moments that decided finals. Their routes to the top were distinct: Raúl built his reputation across Real Madrid, Schalke 04, Al Sadd, New York Cosmos, 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. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
172 words · comparison angle: trophies
Player profiles
Real Madrid legend who captained the club to three Champions League titles; held the all-time Champions League goals record before Messi and Ronaldo surpassed him.
“An intelligent, tireless forward whose movement off the ball created chances for himself and others.”
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
- 3× UEFA Champions League (1998, 2000, 2002)
- 6× La Liga
- 4× Supercopa de España
- 2× Intercontinental Cup (1998, 2002)
- 1× UEFA Super Cup (2002)
- 1× FIFA World Cup (1978)
- 1× UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1980)
- 1× Copa del Rey (1979)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1994 Real Madrid debut aged 17
- 1996 Won La Liga with Real Madrid
- 1998 Champions League winner at 20
- 2000 Champions League winner, top scorer in the tournament
- 2003 Became Real Madrid captain
- 2010 Left Real Madrid after 16 years at the club
- 2015 Retired at New York Cosmos
- 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
On balance Raúl edges the comparison. The margin is a decisive margin, decided mostly by a sharper goalscoring record.
Raúl edges it (a decisive margin)
