The 2016-17 campaign was a season of high-stakes drama for FSV Mainz 05 as Karnevalsverein finished a precarious 15th in the Bundesliga, ultimately securing their top-flight status only on goal difference. Despite starting the season with a European adventure that included reaching the UEFA Europa League group stage, the team struggled domestically. Their attack was initially led by the popular Turkish international Yunus Mallı, whose 6 crucial league goals proved vital before his mid-season transfer in January 2017. It was a nervous, turbulent year of battling on two fronts that remains a defining chapter in the club's dramatic fight for Bundesliga survival.