In July 2022, Sébastien Haller had just completed a big move to Borussia Dortmund when he fell ill during pre-season training. Tests revealed testicular cancer. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and his career was suddenly on hold. Eighteen months later, in Abidjan, he scored the goal that won the Africa Cup of Nations for Ivory Coast. It was one of the most emotional comebacks in recent football history.
Club career and the diagnosis
Haller was born on 22 June 1994 in Ris-Orangis, France. His mother is Ivorian, and his father is French. He played for France’s youth teams before choosing Ivory Coast. He played for Auxerre, Utrecht and Eintracht Frankfurt before joining West Ham United in England. He later moved to Ajax, where he scored freely in the Dutch league and the Champions League.
In 2022 he joined Borussia Dortmund to replace Erling Haaland, raising high expectations.
Within weeks of joining Dortmund, Haller was diagnosed with a testicular tumour. He underwent surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy.
Return and the AFCON final
He returned to the pitch in early 2023 and scored his first goals for Dortmund, receiving huge support from fans. The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was held in Ivory Coast in early 2024. The hosts struggled in the group stage and nearly went out, but they recovered under interim coach Emerse Faé. Haller scored the only goal in the semi-final against DR Congo, sending Ivory Coast to the final.
In the final on 11 February 2024, against Nigeria, Ivory Coast came from behind. Haller scored the winning goal late in the game for a 2-1 victory.
Celebrations and speaking about cancer
The victory sparked huge celebrations across Ivory Coast. Haller’s personal story made his goal even more meaningful. Haller has used his platform to encourage awareness of testicular cancer and early check-ups. After Dortmund, he continued his career with other clubs. Ivory Coast had lost heavily to Equatorial Guinea in the group stage and only went through as one of the best third-placed teams. The coach was dismissed during the tournament, making the eventual triumph even more remarkable.
Haller scored the decisive goal in the biggest match of his country’s year. Two years earlier, he had not known whether he would play again.
