1996–97 Deportivo de La Coruña season

Welsh manager John Toshack was replaced after 23 rounds by Brazilian head coach Carlos Alberto Silva.

Deportivo placed third overall in La Liga finishing only below champions Real Madrid and runners-up FC Barcelona.

[1] Former Deportivo President Augusto César Lendoiro reached an agreement with Palmeiras for $7 million to acquire Rivaldo before the 1996 Olympic Games, instead of buying midfielder Amaral.

[2] On 10 February 1997 after the team was eliminated in Copa del Rey round of 16, Lendoiro fired John Toshack due to his interactions with club officials, players, and fans.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.