Unfortunately for the new month of January 1989 I’m missing Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper. But for the end of December 1988 I’ve discovered some interesting information. More on that soon.
Gazzetta illustrates some statistical information about the top few kick scorers of the decade and current reviews of each team.
At the end of 1988 France Football designated the Ballon d’Or to the best European performers and the top 10 Europeans were this: How France Football voted: European team of the year (only Europeans eligible):
In addition, the IFFHS picked their top 3 best players in the world of 1988 which included any nationality: https://iffhs.de/history-iffhs-awards-1988/ 1. Van Basten 101 points 2. Maradona 92 points 3. Gullit 71 points In addition, Gazzetta dello Sport picked their 1988 Ballon d’Or which included any player from around the world. Gazzetta’s Ballon d’Or of 1988: 1. Maradona 2. Hugo Sanchez 3. Van Basten
Thats really really interesting. I remember in the Ballon d'or Thread that Van Basten was the favorite in an hypotethical global and not european only ballon d'or. But Gazzetta said that Van Basten was just 3rd with Maradona winning and Hugo Sanchez second. Nice info. I wonder if there are more Gazzetta ballon d'or editions or this is the 1st time and only.
Considering 1986 (World Cup title), 1987 (Napoli 1st Scudetto and Coppa Italia) and now 1988 with Gazzetta giving him the Ballon d'or, 3 ballon d'or in a row could have been possible for Diego.
Gazzetta dello Sport chooses the 1988 academy awards for the entire calendar year. Best foreigner stars: Maradona and Careca Best team: AC Milan Best country: Netherlands Revelation: Berti The bravest: Vialli and F. Baresi Best game: Netherlands-USSR Best manager: Sacchi Top improvement: Ferri
As we enter the 1989 year the 3 great Dutchmen and their club manager receive their awards as Europe’s best, illustrated here by GS: European Ballon d’Or winners throughout history
So after 15 rounds terrific starts for Serena, Careca, Maradona, Evair, Baggio... all made it at least to 5 top 10 finishes. Gazzetta dello Sport will be back for February 1988 through to the end of the season.