Pity Martinez named 2018 South American Player of the Year

Two of South America’s biggest honors were handed out on Monday, both of which had implications for Atlanta United.

Tata Martino, unfortunately came up short in winning the award for best South American manager, coming in 3rd behind River Plate’s Marcelo Gallardo and Peru’s Ricardo Gareca.

In happier news, Atlanta United’s supposed future Designated Player Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez has won the prestigious Rey del Fútbol de América award for best South American player of the year. He joins a list of impressive names to win the award, such as: Neymar, Ronaldinho and Carlos Tevez. Atlanta’s Josef Martinez finished 4th in the poll.

You all know the story by now. The 25-year-old playmaker has been constantly linked with a big move to MLS this winter, with the player himself confirmed that the ATL is in his extremely near future on multiple occasions.

Martinez was an integral part of River Plate’s run to the Copa Libertadores title in 2018 and even broke into the Argentina national team with a handful of caps.

It certainly appears that Atlanta is on the verge of getting a truly top notch soccer player. The winter transfer window opens soon. Let the fun begin.