Discover the greatest individual seasons in football history. From Messi and Ronaldo to historic campaigns by legends of the game, these performances defined eras and broke records.

The Greatest Individual Seasons in Football History

Football is a team sport, but every once in a while, an individual player elevates their game to an extraordinary level, delivering a season so remarkable that it becomes legendary. Whether it’s record-breaking goal tallies, mesmerizing playmaking, or carrying a team to multiple trophies, these seasons stand out as some of the greatest performances ever witnessed.

In this article, we take a look at the greatest individual seasons in football history, analyzing the players, their statistics, and the impact they had on their teams and the sport as a whole.

1. Lionel Messi – 2011/12 (Barcelona)

Stats:

• Games: 60
• Goals: 73
• Assists: 32
• Trophies: Copa del Rey, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Supercopa de España

Why It Was Special:

Lionel Messi’s 2011/12 season is widely regarded as the greatest individual campaign in football history. He scored a record-breaking 73 goals in all competitions, surpassing Gerd Müller’s previous record of 67 goals in a single season.

Messi was unstoppable, delivering hat-tricks, dribbles, and assists at an unprecedented rate. Although Barcelona fell short in La Liga and the Champions League, his individual brilliance was undeniable. He also won his fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or, solidifying his dominance in world football.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – 2013/14 (Real Madrid)

Stats:

• Games: 47
• Goals: 51
• Assists: 14
• Trophies: Champions League, Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup

Why It Was Special:

The 2013/14 season saw Cristiano Ronaldo at his peak. He scored a record-breaking 17 goals in a single Champions League campaign, leading Real Madrid to La Décima—their long-awaited 10th European Cup.

His stunning performances, including a brace in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona and goals in crucial Champions League matches, earned him his third Ballon d’Or. This season was the epitome of Ronaldo’s explosiveness, determination, and leadership.

3. Diego Maradona – 1986/87 (Napoli)

Stats:

• Games: 44
• Goals: 17
• Assists: 10
• Trophies: Serie A

Why It Was Special:

Maradona’s influence at Napoli is legendary, but his 1986/87 season was the most historic. He led Napoli to their first-ever Serie A title, becoming an icon in Italy.

What made this season special wasn’t just his stats but the way he single-handedly carried a team that had never won the league before. Maradona’s dribbling, vision, and leadership turned Napoli into champions, marking one of the greatest seasons by an individual in football history.

4. Thierry Henry – 2003/04 (Arsenal)

Stats:

• Games: 51
• Goals: 39
• Assists: 18
• Trophies: Premier League (Invincible Season)

Why It Was Special:

Henry’s 2003/04 season was the driving force behind Arsenal’s Invincible campaign, in which they went an entire Premier League season unbeaten.

The Frenchman scored 39 goals in all competitions and provided 18 assists, making him one of the most complete forwards ever. His pace, technique, and finishing made him unplayable, and his influence was a key reason why Arsenal went 38 league games without defeat.

5. Ronaldo Nazário – 1996/97 (Barcelona)

Stats:

• Games: 49
• Goals: 47
• Assists: 12
• Trophies: Copa del Rey, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, Supercopa de España

Why It Was Special:

At just 20 years old, Ronaldo Nazário delivered one of the most astonishing individual seasons in history. His blend of speed, power, and finishing ability made him unstoppable, and he won the FIFA World Player of the Year award for the first time.

His iconic goal against Compostela, where he dribbled past five defenders before scoring, remains one of the greatest goals in football history. His time at Barcelona was short, but this season cemented his legacy.

6. Ronaldinho – 2005/06 (Barcelona)

Stats:

• Games: 45
• Goals: 26
• Assists: 23
• Trophies: La Liga, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup

Why It Was Special:

Ronaldinho’s 2005/06 season was peak entertainment. He dominated world football with his dribbles, flicks, and magical assists, leading Barcelona to Champions League and La Liga glory.

His performance at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he received a standing ovation from Real Madrid fans, remains one of the most iconic moments in football history. His unique style of play made him a global superstar and the best player in the world that year.

7. Luis Suárez – 2015/16 (Barcelona)

Stats:

• Games: 53
• Goals: 59
• Assists: 24
• Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, FIFA Club World Cup, Supercopa de España

Why It Was Special:

Luis Suárez had an unbelievable 2015/16 season, winning the Pichichi Trophy as La Liga’s top scorer with 40 league goals. He outscored both Messi and Ronaldo, which was a rare achievement at the time.

Suárez also contributed 24 assists, showing his ability to create as well as score. His chemistry with Messi and Neymar (MSN Trio) helped Barcelona dominate domestically, making this one of the greatest seasons by a striker.

8. Robert Lewandowski – 2019/20 (Bayern Munich)

Stats:

• Games: 47
• Goals: 55
• Assists: 10
• Trophies: Bundesliga, Champions League, DFB-Pokal

Why It Was Special:

Lewandowski’s 2019/20 season was one of the most dominant performances by a striker. He led Bayern Munich to a historic treble, scoring 55 goals in all competitions.

His Champions League campaign was particularly special, as he scored in every game leading up to the final. Many believed he deserved the Ballon d’Or, which was unfortunately canceled that year.

Conclusion

The greatest individual seasons in football history are remembered for record-breaking numbers, unforgettable moments, and trophies. From Messi’s 73-goal season to Ronaldo’s Champions League heroics, these players reached levels of excellence rarely seen in football.

Which season do you think was the best? Let us know, and continue supporting MBS66 as the sport continues to evolve with new legends!