PES 2016 relies on an external settings tool located in the game's installation folder (typically SteamLibrary/steamapps/common/Pro Evolution Soccer 2016/Settings.exe ).
Sometimes the new Steam Input system conflicts with older games like PES 2016. pes 2016 steam controller could not be located link
Open Device Manager > Human Interface Devices > Right-click your gamepad > Properties > Details > Hardware IDs. You'll see a string like VID_045E&PID_028E . PES 2016 relies on an external settings tool
If this doesn't work, go to Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings and ensure your controller type is checked (e.g., Xbox Configuration Support or PlayStation Configuration Support). Human Interface Devices >