In the vast tapestry of Real Madrid’s rich history, few midfield trios have left a legacy as lasting as Toni Kroos, Casemiro, and Luka Modrić. Together, they formed the engine room that powered the club’s unprecedented success during the second half of the 2010s.
Their 2016/17 season stands as the pinnacle of their collective brilliance—a campaign in which Real Madrid won La Liga and retained the UEFA Champions League, becoming the first club to do so in the modern era.
🧠 Balance, Brains & Brilliance
What made this trio so special wasn’t just their individual talent—it was the perfect balance of attributes:
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Casemiro, the destroyer. A world-class ball-winner who gave this midfield the grit and defensive shield required to free up his teammates.
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Kroos, the metronome. Always calm, always available, dictating tempo and progressing play with machine-like precision.
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Modrić, the magician. The carrier and creator, whose movement, dribbling, and vision carved open defences and turned control into chances.
Each brought something vital, but none overshadowed the others. Their understanding bordered on telepathic.
🏆 2016/17: The Peak Season
Under Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid's midfield trio was the core of a team that conquered both Spain and Europe. Across the 2016/17 campaign:
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La Liga Champions with 93 points
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UEFA Champions League winners, beating Juventus 4-1 in the final
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UEFA Super Cup winners, defeating Manchester United 2-1
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FIFA Club World Cup champions, with a 2-1 win over Grêmio in the final
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Real Madrid became the first team to retain the UCL title since the modern format began in 1992
In that UCL final, all three midfielders started—and dominated. Casemiro even got on the scoresheet with a long-range strike, symbolizing just how complete the midfield’s performance was.
🔁 The Numbers Behind the Dominance
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Kroos: 19 assists in all competitions, leader in pass completion and key passes
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Modrić: Over 90% pass accuracy in UCL, countless pre-assists and dribbles completed
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Casemiro: Most tackles and interceptions for Madrid that season, scored 6 goals, including vital ones in Europe
They weren’t just stylish—they were effective, and every stat backed that up.
💬 Legacy and Longevity
This midfield would go on to win five UEFA Champions League titles together (2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023)—a dynasty few in football history can rival. Even as age began to creep in, Kroos and Modrić remained elite performers into their mid-30s. Casemiro eventually moved on to Manchester United, but the trio’s golden years will forever be remembered at the Bernabéu.
🏁 Final Word
In an era of tactical evolution and pressing systems, Kroos, Casemiro, and Modrić stood as a reminder that quality, chemistry, and intelligence remain irreplaceable. The 2016/17 season wasn't just the peak of their careers—it was the high point of one of the most dominant midfields in football history.
Their bond was unbreakable. Their record, untouchable. Their legacy? Immortal.