The present invention relates to a method for preparing superabsorbent polymer that has antibacterial activity, in which the basic properties of superabsorbent polymer are maintained or improved, and may exhibits excellent bacterial proliferation inhibition effect, and superabsorbent polymer prepared thereby. The preparation method of superabsorbent polymer comprises the steps of: forming base polymer powder using hydogel polymer comprising crosslinked polymer, and then, surface crosslinking the base polymer powder using a surface crosslinking solution comprising a surface crosslinking agent and cuprous oxide, wherein the cuprous oxide is included in the content of 0.001 to 2.5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the base polymer powder.