The 2015-16 campaign delivered a return to European football for FC Schalke 04, with Die Knappen securing a strong 5th-place finish in the Bundesliga under manager André Breitenreiter, guaranteeing a spot in the UEFA Europa League. Leading the charge was the ever-reliable veteran Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, whose 12 league goals anchored the attack in a season built on a mix of experience and electrifying youth talent. The campaign's true spark came from the stunning breakout of young German international Leroy Sané, alongside the promising Max Meyer and Leon Goretzka, whose attacking prowess made it a memorable season that confirmed the club's status among the league's elite.. The 2016-17 campaign delivered a season of inconsistent league form for Schalke as Die Knappen finished 10th in the Bundesliga, yet they mounted a thrilling run to the Quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League. The mid-season arrival of striker Guido Burgstaller from the second division proved to be a masterstroke, as his 9 crucial league goals anchored the attack and instantly made him a fan favorite. It was a memorable year defined by dramatic European nights and the immediate, powerful impact of a true bargain signing.