2016 Real Madrid Away – Cristiano Ronaldo #7 Small

The 2016–17 season stands as one of the most successful campaigns in the history of Real Madrid, as the club achieved a historic La Liga and UEFA Champions League double under manager Zinedine Zidane. It was a season defined by squad depth, tactical balance, and an ability to deliver in decisive moments.

In La Liga, Real Madrid secured the title with 93 points, finishing ahead of Barcelona after a consistent and resilient campaign. Zidane implemented a strategic rotation system, often referred to as the “B team” approach, which kept players fresh while maintaining high performance levels across competitions.

In Europe, Madrid made history by becoming the first team in the modern era to successfully defend the UEFA Champions League, defeating Juventus 4–1 in the final in Cardiff. Their route included victories over Napoli, Bayern Munich, and Atlético Madrid, showcasing both attacking firepower and mental strength.

The 2016–17 Real Madrid away kit, produced by adidas, featured a striking purple colorway, a nod to the club’s heritage colors. With white detailing and a modern slim fit, the jersey blended bold aesthetics with tradition, making it one of the most recognizable vintage football shirts of the modern Champions League era.

Player’s Impact – Cristiano Ronaldo

The 2016–17 season was a defining chapter in the legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo, as he evolved into a more central, efficiency-driven forward while maintaining elite production. Under Zidane, Ronaldo was carefully managed, often rested in league matches to preserve peak condition for decisive fixtures.

Ronaldo finished the season with 42 goals in all competitions, including 12 goals in the Champions League, where he delivered one of the most dominant knockout-stage performances in history. He scored crucial hat-tricks against Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid, and added a brace in the Champions League final against Juventus.

Positionally, Ronaldo operated less as a traditional winger and more as a central forward, focusing on movement inside the box, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing. His ability to rise in decisive moments became the defining trait of Madrid’s European success.

This season secured Ronaldo’s fifth Ballon d’Or and further cemented his status as one of the greatest players in football history. It highlighted his adaptability, longevity, and unmatched influence in high-pressure matches.

Full Squad List (Real Madrid – 2016–17 Season)

Manager: Zinedine Zidane

Goalkeepers:
Keylor Navas, Kiko Casilla, Rubén Yáñez

Defenders:
Sergio Ramos (captain), Raphael Varane, Pepe, Dani Carvajal, Marcelo, Nacho Fernández, Danilo

Midfielders:
Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Isco, James Rodríguez, Mateo Kovačić, Lucas Vázquez

Forwards:
Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Álvaro Morata, Marco Asensio, Mariano Díaz