The 2016-17 season was the year of Kylian Mbappé's meteoric rise, where the then-teenager became the spearhead of an exhilarating AS Monaco side that captured the Ligue 1 title and made a surprise run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
The Breakthrough Season
Mbappé's performance in the 2016-17 season was an explosion of talent that announced him as one of football's next global superstars.
- Age and Debut: Having turned 18 during the season, Mbappé's breakthrough saw him become a key starter, often partnering with veteran striker Radamel Falcao.
- Goalscoring Feat: He finished the season with 26 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions, scoring 15 in Ligue 1 and six in the Champions League.
- Ligue 1 Triumph: Monaco, under coach Leonardo Jardim, won their first Ligue 1 title in 17 years, amassing 95 points and scoring a league-high 107 goals. Mbappé's pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing were crucial in dethroning PSG.
Kylian Mbappe celebrates their first French league title in 17 years.
UEFA Champions League Star
Mbappé's impact was arguably even more significant on the continental stage, where he broke several records for a teenage player.
- Knockout Specialist: He was integral to Monaco's run to the semi-finals, netting in every knockout round they played.
- Round of 16: Scored a goal in both legs against Manchester City, helping Monaco advance on away goals (6-6 aggregate). He became the second-youngest player to score in a Champions League knockout game at the time.
- Quarter-Finals: Bagged a brace in the first leg against Borussia Dortmund and another goal in the second leg, sealing a 6-3 aggregate victory.
- Semi-Finals: Monaco's run was halted by Juventus, losing 4-1 on aggregate, but Mbappé's performances cemented his status as a world-class talent.
Mbappé's Style and Impact
Mbappé's effectiveness was rooted in his unique blend of attributes, which often drew comparisons to club legend Thierry Henry.
- Pace and Movement: His blistering speed made him a constant threat in transition, perfectly suited to Jardim's counter-attacking style.
- Composure: Despite his youth, his finishing in high-pressure situations, particularly in the Champions League, was remarkably calm and composed.
- Teammate Influence: Mbappé credited senior players like Radamel Falcao as a key influence, stating that the Colombian helped teach him to be 'calm' and 'serene' during games.
The 2016-17 season served as the launchpad for Mbappé's career, leading to a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain the following summer, initially on loan.
