Ahead of the 2016 season, Shibasaki switched number shirt from twenty to ten. At the start of the 2016 season, Shibasaki continued to regain his first team place for the side, playing in the central midfield position. It wasn't until on 10 April 2016 when he scored his first goal of the season and then setting up a goal for Caio, who scored twice in a game, in a 4–1 win against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. A month later on 29 May 2016, Shibasaki set up the club's first goal of the game and then scored the club's third goal of the game, in a 4–0 win against Ventforet Kofu. He later scored two goals throughout September, scoring against Kataller Toyama and Albirex Niigata. However, Shibsaka suffered a foot injury that kept him out for a month. Following the club's qualification to finish third place at the end of the J.League second stage, he didn't make his return until the final against Urawa Red Diamonds and played in both legs, as Kashima Antlers drew 2–2 on aggregate through away goal, resulting in the club becoming Champions. In the 2016 Club World Cup, Shibasaki started all three matches and helped Kashima Antlers progress in the knockout stages to the final. He rose to prominence after scoring twice for Kashima Antlers in the final of the 2016 Club World Cup against Real Madrid. Real Madrid would eventually go on to win the match 4–2 albeit in extra time, after a hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite losing in the final, Shibasaki's performance was praised by the media, both in and outside of Japan. In addition, he was awarded the Adidas Bronze Ball at the tournament. Following this, Shibasaki helped the club bounce back from the defeat, setting up two goals to beat Yokohama F. Marinos to help Kashima Antlers reach the Emperor's Cup Final. He helped the club beat Kawasaki Frontale 2–1 to win the Emperor's Cup Final. At the end of the 2016 season, he went on to make forty–six appearances and scoring six times in all competitions.