The 2011-12 campaign saw Saint-Etienne firmly establish themselves in the upper echelons of French football, as Les Verts secured an impressive 7th-place finish in Ligue 1 under the guidance of Christophe Galtier. Leading the charge was the sensational emerging talent Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whose 16 league goals proved decisive in a season built on defensive solidity and clinical attacking flair. It was a standout year that marked the beginning of a resurgent era for the historic club and remains a defining chapter in their modern history.