)
Sebastien Haller has overcome incredible odds to become an African champion with Ivory Coast and his goal against Nigeria in the 2023 AFCON final has been the climax of his inspirational story
After scoring his first goal following his recovery from testicular cancer, Sebastien Haller said, "To score today was a great message to everyone who is fighting today or will fight later. It gives some hope, some courage. That's it, you know? The days after will always be better.”
)
07:59 - 12.02.2024
AFCON 2023: 'Emotional' Sebastien Haller's wife sends heartfelt message to husband after beating Cancer and becoming African champion
Priscillia Haller took to social media to send a heartwarming message to her husband and Ivory Coast's hero in the AFCON 2023 final, Sebastien Haller.
)
11:20 - 24.01.2023
"F*** Cancer' - Borussia Dortmund star Sebastien Haller sends strong message with custom Puma boots
The Ivorian international is finally back in action after a hard-fought battle against cancer.
Against Nigeria, in front of almost 60,000 fans at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Haller showed just how much better things can get, completing an inspirational story, coming back from the brink of death and early retirement to scoring the winner for his country Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil.
)
Sebastien Haller's journey from a cancer diagnosis to scoring the winning goal in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 final is a tale of resilience, hope, and triumph. The Ivorian striker's story is not just about football; it's an inspirational account of battling adversity and emerging victorious on the grandest stage.
A Dream Realised Amidst Adversity
In the aftermath of Ivory Coast's victory, Haller was visibly emotional, reflecting on his incredible comeback. "We dreamed of this moment so many times," he said, acknowledging the challenges the team faced on their way to glory. His words underscored the collective and personal battles fought and won. "The joyous scenes we see now, what's happening in the country, they deserve it too," Haller added, dedicating the triumph to his nation, which stood by him during his toughest times.
)
Haller's battle with testicular cancer began 18 months prior to the tournament, turning his world upside down. Diagnosed while preparing for the season with Borussia Dortmund, the forward faced the harsh reality of his condition with courage and determination.
)
Support poured in from all corners, with Haller sharing updates of his treatment and expressing gratitude towards the medical teams and supporters. His fight was not just for survival but to return to the sport he loves, marking a significant chapter in his life with the message, "Good evening everyone I wanted to inform you that the 1st step has been accomplished!"
Haller’s miraculous comeback
Doubts about Haller's return to professional football grew as he underwent two surgeries and four rounds of chemotherapy. Yet, just six months later, he was back on the training pitch, an embodiment of determination.
)
Haller's comeback was marked by his first competitive goal since treatment on World Cancer Day, symbolizing a victorious battle against the disease. His return to form was swift, netting nine goals in 19 league games for Dortmund at the tail end of the 2022/23 season, showcasing his undiminished skill and spirit.
Sebastien Haller: Ivory Coast's AFCON 2023 hero
AFCON 2023 presented Haller with a platform to complete his remarkable comeback. Despite not playing in the group stages due to an ankle injury and Ivory Coast's precarious path to the knockout rounds, Haller's resilience shone through.
His performance in the semi-finals and his crucial penalty kick in the last 16 underscored his importance to the team. Scoring the winner in the final not only secured the trophy for Ivory Coast but also completed Haller's journey from cancer patient to international champion.
)
Sebastien Haller's story is a beacon of inspiration, illustrating the power of hope, the strength of the human spirit, and the sheer will to overcome life's toughest challenges. His journey resonates beyond football, offering hope and encouragement to those facing their battles, proving that even in the darkest times, there's light at the end of the tunnel.
Related content
)
17:22 - 12.02.2024
‘Man, I’m Going to F*** You Up Here’ – Watch Moment Nigeria’s Nwabali Appears to Threaten Ivory Coast Forward in Ill-Fated Final
Things did not go according to plan for Nigeria in the final against Ivory Coast and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was understandably frustrated in a difficult match against the hosts
)
16:48 - 12.02.2024
7 Players who failed to perform in Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 final defeat to Ivory Coast
In an overall disappointing performance by the Super Eagles, these players stood out as the least impressive in the Nigerian team during the AFCON 2023 final against Ivory Coast
)
16:26 - 12.02.2024
Omeruo declares: Nigeria played 'too deep' and lacked creativity against Ivory Coast
Kenneth Omeruo was not a fan of Nigeria's defensive tactics against Ivory Coast and the barren attack in the AFCON 2023 final.
)
16:07 - 12.02.2024
‘Ogun k**l your papa’ - Samuel Chukwueze’s pretty sister LAMBASTS troll who questioned his performances at AFCON 2023
Princess’s was not having it after Samuel Chukwueze was brutally trolled by a fan on social media.
)
14:13 - 12.02.2024
"They were tired" - Emerse Fae reveals how Ivory Coast denied Nigeria AFCON title
Cote d'Ivoire's manager Emerse Fae reveals halftime instructions that sparked Ivory Coast's AFCON fightback against Nigeria's Super Eagles.
)
13:26 - 12.02.2024
Nigerians question Peseiro's style despite Super Eagles' AFCON final run
Jose Peseiro's tactics have come under the storm following Nigeria's defeat to Ivory Coast in the AFCON 2023 final.
)
12:49 - 12.02.2024
We didn't lose our lives - Oshoala keeps perspective after Super Eagles AFCON agony
Nigerian football star Asisat Oshoala emphasises the importance of maintaining perspective following Nigeria's defeat in the AFCON final.
)
11:56 - 12.02.2024
Out-fought and outclassed - 3 reasons Nigeria lost to Cote d'Ivoire at AFCON 2023 final
A passive performance lacking creativity ultimately cost Nigeria the chance to lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy as a hungry Ivory Coast side executed their gameplan to perfection in the final.
)
11:00 - 12.02.2024
AFCON 2023: Nigerians cancel Valentine's Day to mourn Super Eagles defeat
Nigerians won't be celebrating Valentine's Day this year following Super Eagles' defeat to Cote d'Ivoire at AFCON 2023.
)
10:06 - 12.02.2024
Tearful Nwabali apologises to Nigerian fans after AFCON final agony
Stanley Nwabali was helpless for the Nigeria Super Eagles against Cote d'Ivoire in the AFCON 2023.
07:59 - 12.02.2024
AFCON 2023: 'Emotional' Sebastien Haller's wife sends heartfelt message to husband after beating Cancer and becoming African champion
Priscillia Haller took to social media to send a heartwarming message to her husband and Ivory Coast's hero in the AFCON 2023 final, Sebastien Haller.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)