Robin van Persie vs Mario Kempes: Stats Compared
Striker, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2019) · Striker, Argentina (born 1954, retired 1996)
Put Robin van Persie and Mario Kempes side by side and you have a genuine generational conversation. It is in how they played, rather than what they won, that the comparison gets interesting. Robin van Persie finishes with 322 career goals from 694 games — a 0.46 strike rate — against Mario Kempes's 350 from 600 at 0.58 per match. Because assists were not systematically tracked for much of their time, that side of the comparison rests on the footage that survives. In major honours Robin van Persie collected 9 — headlined by 1× Premier League (2013) — whereas Mario Kempes amassed 3, led by 1× FIFA World Cup (1978). Robin van Persie played with a predatory that made him unmistakable; Mario Kempes brought a explosive that was equally his own. Their routes to the top were distinct: Robin van Persie built his reputation across Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe, peaking around 2012, 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.
192 words · comparison angle: style
Player profiles
Robin van Persie is a Dutch football coach and former professional footballer. He last served as the head coach of Eredivisie club Feyenoord. He is regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation and was known for his technique, ball control, and vision.
“A left-footed artist whose volleys, movement and aerial technique made difficult finishes routine.”
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× Premier League (2013)
- 1× FIFA World Cup (1978)
- 1× UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1980)
- 1× Copa del Rey (1979)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Feyenoord
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 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
On balance Robin van Persie edges the comparison. The margin is a clear margin, decided mostly by a weightier trophy cabinet.
Robin van Persie edges it (a clear margin)
