From Champions League records to a battle with cancer and back
In short: Sébastien Haller’s career is defined by extraordinary peaks and unexpected valleys. After setting historic scoring records in the Champions League, the striker faced a life-altering diagnosis of a malignant testicular tumour in 2022, forcing a grueling fight for survival and a return to professional football.
Born in Ris-Orangis to a French father and an Ivorian mother, Haller’s footballing journey has been marked by significant shifts in allegiance and record-breaking performances. After representing France at the youth level, he switched to the Ivory Coast in 2020. This decision proved fruitful; he scored on his international debut against Madagascar and eventually led the Ivory Coast to victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring the winning goal in the final against Nigeria.
Haller’s technical prowess was most evident during his tenure with Ajax in the 2021–22 season. He became the first player in UEFA Champions League history to score in seven consecutive matches, joining an elite group of scorers that includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. His efficiency was unprecedented, as he became the fastest player to reach 10 goals in the competition's history.
However, his momentum was halted in July 2022 when he was diagnosed with a malignant testicular tumour. The diagnosis required two surgeries and four cycles of chemotherapy. His resilience was tested as he underwent a six-month battle with cancer before being cleared to return to full-time training in January 2023. He made a triumphant competitive debut for Borussia Dortmund in late January 2023, scoring his first goal for the club shortly after against Freiburg.
Today, Haller continues his career in the J1 League with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, having navigated the complexities of professional transfers and significant health challenges to remain a prominent figure in global football.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Sébastien Haller
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-s-bastien-haller.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
