The 2016 season was Santa Cruz's 103rd season in the club's history.

Santa Cruz competed in the Campeonato Pernambucano,[5] Copa do Brasil, Copa Sudamericana,[6] Copa do Nordeste and Série A.

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

Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Source: Santa Cruz official website (c) Indicates the caretaker manager