Celebrating Football’s Finest: The Top Footballers of 2016
2016 was a landmark year in world football, featuring remarkable tournaments such as the European Championships and Copa America, as well as stunning underdog triumphs from Leicester City, Portugal, and Chile. Amidst countless unforgettable moments and standout performances, seven players distinguished themselves as true giants of the sport over the course of the year. Here, we spotlight these exceptional individuals and examine the achievements that led to their nominations for Footballer of the Year.
Lionel Messi: Consistent Excellence on the World Stage
Lionel Messi continued to set footballing standards in 2016, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time. The Argentine forward was instrumental in Barcelona’s La Liga title win during the 2015-16 season, delivering an impressive 26 goals and 16 assists in just 33 matches. He carried his rich vein of form into the following season, starting 2016-17 with 8 goals and 3 assists from his first 9 league outings.
Internationally, Messi was pivotal for Argentina at Copa America. Although his team fell just short of winning the trophy, Messi was the tournament’s second-highest scorer and provided more assists (4) than any other player. His consistent impact at both club and international level ensured his place among the elite footballers of the year.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Leading Portugal and Real Madrid to Glory
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2016 was marked by major silverware and milestones. The Portuguese superstar steered Real Madrid to a Champions League title during the 2015-16 campaign, netting 35 goals and 11 assists in 36 La Liga appearances. His Champions League tally was particularly outstanding, with 16 goals that topped the competition by a significant margin.
Perhaps more historic was Ronaldo’s leadership of Portugal to their first major international triumph at Euro 2016. He contributed 3 goals and 2 assists across 7 matches, showcasing both his skill and determination. Despite a demanding summer with his national team, Ronaldo kicked off the 2016-17 club season with 8 goals and 2 assists in just 9 games, proving his form was undiminished.
Antoine Griezmann: Star Performer on Club and International Levels
Antoine Griezmann emerged as a leading figure for both Atletico Madrid and the French national team throughout 2016. During the 2015-16 season, Griezmann drove Atletico to a third place finish in La Liga and played a crucial role in their journey to the Champions League final, scoring 22 league goals and 7 in Europe’s top club competition.
His international acclaim soared thanks to his performances at Euro 2016, where he won both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball after scoring 6 times. As France’s top performer, he led their run to the final. Continuing his strong form into the 2016-17 season, Griezmann tallied 6 goals and 4 assists in his first 11 La Liga matches.
Robert Lewandowski: Prolific Striker of the Bundesliga
Robert Lewandowski earned his place among football’s elite as the Bundesliga’s top marksman in 2016. He racked up 30 goals in 32 league matches during the 2015-16 campaign and continued to excel on the European stage with 9 Champions League goals in 11 outings. The Polish striker also maintained remarkable consistency at the start of the 2016-17 season, scoring 7 league goals in 10 matches and 4 more in 4 Champions League fixtures.
While his scoring at the European Championships was limited, Lewandowski remained a reliable presence for Poland, with 8 goals in 12 international appearances during the year. His impact for Bayern Munich and country was undeniable.
Neymar: The Brilliant Brazilian
Despite still being only 24 years old in 2016, Neymar continued to dazzle at both club and international level. A vital member of Barcelona’s title-winning squad, he delivered 24 goals and 12 assists in 34 La Liga matches for the 2015-16 season. In 2016-17, he quickly added another 4 goals and 4 assists in his first 10 league games, along with 2 goals and an impressive 6 assists in just 4 Champions League fixtures.
Internationally, Neymar contributed 4 goals in 6 appearances for Brazil, helping to maintain their competitive edge even after stepping down as captain. His blend of creativity and finishing made him a standout in a year filled with world-class performances.
Luis Suarez: The Year’s Most Prolific Scorer
Luis Suarez enjoyed a phenomenal 2016, finishing as the highest scorer among all top-flight players worldwide. In the 2015-16 season, the Uruguayan notched 40 goals in only 35 La Liga games, nearly doubling the output of many rivals. Across all competitions that year, he amassed 59 goals in 53 appearances—a figure unrivaled by any other player.
Suarez maintained his scoring touch into the new campaign, with 11 goals in 16 matches across all competitions. Often overshadowed by higher-profile teammates, Suarez’s relentless pursuit of goals and major contributions to Barcelona’s successes made him indispensable.
N’Golo Kante: The Engine Behind Leicester’s Cinderella Story
N’Golo Kante’s tireless work ethic and defensive prowess underpinned Leicester City’s shock Premier League triumph in 2015-16. The French midfielder topped Europe’s top 5 leagues in tackles (174) and interceptions (156), while also chipping in 4 assists. His contributions were recognized with a place in the PFA Team of the Year and a nomination for PFA Player of the Year.
Kante’s impressive form carried through Euro 2016 with France reaching the final, and continued into the subsequent season following his transfer to Chelsea, where he immediately became a key figure under Antonio Conte’s management. His influence on both club and international football was unmatched among midfielders during the year.
Honorable Mentions
While Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy, and Gareth Bale each enjoyed outstanding years in their own right, the intense competition for Footballer of the Year meant they narrowly missed a nomination in this elite group. Their remarkable achievements, however, did not go unrecognized.
Conclusion
2016 delivered a wealth of footballing drama, propelled by individual brilliance and team triumphs on the world’s biggest stages. From prolific scorers to tireless midfield dynamos, these seven players left a lasting impression on fans, pundits, and their fellow professionals. Their contributions have rightfully earned them recognition as the standout footballers of an extraordinary year.
