South American player of the year was voted Diego Maradona – like in the year before. Perhaps now there was no doubt – Diego was already around for awhile and truly established star – not just a promising talent credited more for the future than for the present. Waldemar Victorino (Nacional,Uruguay) was 3rd and his case was clear – great year for him, but largely because of Nacional’s international victories. Zico (Flamengo) was 2nd – he was ranked high for consistent strong playing, not that much for any outstanding international game or two. Maradona was like Zico – Argentinos Juniors became familiar name outside Argentina not because they were great team, but because of Maradona – and largely thanks to him they became a strong factor in Argentine football, however, unable to win a title. 
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