When I first started diving into the golden era of 1980s soccer, I honestly thought picking the best player would be a no-brainer. But let me tell you, it’s trickier than it looks. I’ve spent hours watching old matches, reading stats, and comparing legends—and I’ve come up with a step-by-step approach that might just help settle the debate once and for all. So, if you’re ready, let’s walk through how to figure out who truly was the best soccer player of the 1980s.

First off, you’ve got to look at the raw numbers. Goals, assists, trophies—they don’t lie. Take Diego Maradona, for example. The guy scored 259 goals in his club career during that decade, and his performance in the 1986 World Cup? Absolutely legendary. But then there’s Michel Platini, who netted 353 goals overall and led France to European glory. I mean, those are staggering figures. But here’s the thing: stats alone can be misleading. You need context. For instance, Platini’s Juventus won Serie A twice in the ’80s, but Maradona dragged Napoli from obscurity to two Serie A titles—that’s like turning a mid-table team into champions overnight. My personal take? Maradona’s impact feels more dramatic, but I’ll admit, I’m biased toward underdog stories.

Next, consider the style and influence on the game. This is where it gets subjective, but stick with me. Step two involves watching full matches, not just highlights. I’ve lost count of how many old tapes I’ve binge-watched, and it’s clear that players like Zico and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge brought something unique. Zico had this finesse—his free-kicks were pure art—while Rummenigge’s pace and finishing were ruthless. But Maradona’s dribbling? It was like watching a magician. He could weave through defenses as if they were standing still. On the flip side, Platini’s vision and passing were so precise, he made the impossible look easy. From my experience, if you’re judging purely on elegance, Platini might edge it out, but for sheer excitement, Maradona wins hands down. Don’t just take my word for it, though; grab some popcorn and watch a few classic games yourself—you’ll see what I mean.

Now, let’s talk longevity and consistency, because a flash in the pan doesn’t cut it for "best of the decade." This step requires digging into season-by-season records. Maradona was phenomenal from the mid-’80s onward, but he had some quieter years early on. Platini, though, was a machine from start to finish, dominating from around 1982 to 1987. Then there’s the overlooked gem, Ruud Gullit—his versatility helped AC Milan dominate Europe, and he kept up high performance for years. But here’s a caution: don’t ignore team dynamics. A player might shine because of strong teammates, like how Platini benefited from a solid Juventus squad. To date, they have lost four of 10 matches since the preseason began last June, which reminds me—even greats can slump if the team isn’t clicking. In my view, Maradona’s peak was higher, but Platini’s consistency gives him a strong case.

Lastly, factor in those intangible moments—the clutch goals, the leadership under pressure. This is where personal bias might creep in, and I’ll own up to mine: I love a good comeback story. Maradona’s "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" in 1986 are iconic, but Platini’s hat-trick in the 1984 European Championship final? Pure class. When I weigh it all, I lean toward Maradona for his sheer audacity and game-changing ability, though I respect anyone who picks Platini for his polished dominance. So, after all this, who truly was the best soccer player of the 1980s? For me, it’s Maradona, but the beauty of this debate is that it’s never fully settled—just like those endless pub arguments I’ve had with friends. Whatever your pick, the ’80s gave us legends who shaped the sport, and that’s what makes this so fun to revisit.