The 2016-17 campaign for Athletic Bilbao, under the guidance of manager Ernesto Valverde, saw Los Leones clinch a crucial 7th-place finish in La Liga, securing a coveted spot in the UEFA Europa League. The season was defined by the phenomenal, timeless goalscoring of veteran striker Aritz Aduriz, whose 16 league goals and 24 goals across all competitions proved decisive. The true highlight and most nostalgic moment came in the Europa League group stage, where Aduriz secured a historic "goalfest" by becoming the first player to score five goals in a single match of the competition against Genk. Though their European run ended in the Round of 32, this consistent season, which also saw Valverde become the first coach to lead the club for 300 matches, remains a defining chapter built on the legendary striking prowess of Aduriz and the emerging talent of players like Aymeric Laporte and Iñaki Williams.