AS Monaco 2016/17: The Golden Generation That Took Europe by Storm

102 years ago today, AS Monaco were officially formed. But if there is one team that perfectly represents the club’s ability to develop extraordinary talent and play fearless football, it is the unforgettable 2016/17 Monaco side.

Managed by Leonardo Jardim, Monaco produced one of the most entertaining seasons in modern European football. They won Ligue 1 with 95 points, scoring a staggering 107 goals in 38 league matches.

And the quality throughout the squad was ridiculous.

At the heart of midfield were Fabinho and Tiémoué Bakayoko, combining defensive power with technical ability. Ahead of them, Bernardo Silva and Thomas Lemar provided creativity, intelligence and constant movement.

Then came the attack.

A rejuvenated Radamel Falcao rediscovered his best form, while an 18-year-old Kylian Mbappé exploded onto the world stage. Mbappé scored 15 Ligue 1 goals and added eight assists, while Falcao finished the league campaign with 21 goals.

Behind them stood a formidable defence featuring Danijel Subašić, Djibril Sidibé, Kamil Glik, Jemerson and Benjamin Mendy.

Monaco weren't simply dominant domestically. They were spectacular in Europe.

They eliminated Pep Guardiola's Manchester City after recovering from a 5-3 first-leg defeat, winning 3-1 at home. They then destroyed Borussia Dortmund 6-3 on aggregate to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

They eventually fell to Juventus, but their reputation was already established.

The remarkable part is what happened afterward. Mbappé, Bernardo Silva, Mendy, Bakayoko and others would soon move to some of Europe's biggest clubs, leaving behind a team whose individual quality was almost impossible to replace.

On this anniversary of AS Monaco's formation, the 2016/17 team deserves to be remembered not just as a Ligue 1 champion, but as one of the greatest young teams football has produced.

Falcao. Mbappé. Bernardo Silva. Lemar. Fabinho. Bakayoko. Mendy. Sidibé. Glik.

Pure quality. Pure Monaco.