The 2016-17 campaign delivered a hard-fought and successful return to the top flight for FC Metz, as Les Grenats consolidated their position in Ligue 1 by securing a comfortable 14th-place finish after their promotion. The crucial survival was anchored by the decisive firepower of the Malian centre-forward Cheick Diabaté, whose eight goals in just 14 league appearances proved vital after his mid-season arrival. Manager Philippe Hinschberger steered the team through a challenging season that also included a run to the Coupe de la Ligue Quarter-Finals, marking a proud and defining year for the club's re-establishment at the elite level of French football.