The Elephants of Ivory Coast recently clinched their 3rd AFCON title after coming from behind to beat Nigeria on Sunday February 11th, thanks to one man’s clinical finishing; Sébastien Haller.
Sébastien Haller, 29, was the decisive man in Ivory Coast’s AFCON journey, following his heroics in the semis finals, and in the finals. He only scored two goals all competition ,and those were arguably the most important goals of his soccer career.
The Dortmund striker’s journey has been characterized by many mishaps and uncertainties: from becoming one of the hottest strikers in Europe, to almost losing his life to Testicular cancer, to returning and giving his country a much-needed trophy.
Haller, has a French and an Ivorian Nationality. He was born in France and played in many youth Competitions, representing the blues, but opted to represent his native country Côte D’ivoire at senior level. Haller, has been an important part of the Ivorian team ever since he joined. The journey hasn’t all been rosey for him following health issues and more.
In February 2022, Sébastien Haller, was diagnosed with Testicular cancer, and had to undergo treatment, which was very succesful. Thereafter, he returned to playing soccer in July 2023.
Haller has played for several clubs like Ajax Amsterdam, Borrusia Dortmund, Westham United, etc. He was instrumental in Ajax’s champions League campaign when he represented the Dutch champions.
After suffering the downsides of his career, Haller, who’s happily married to Priscilla Haller, and a father of two, returned to the pitch. While representing Dortmund at club level, he was called up for AFCON2023, and history was made, as it turned out to be him who gave the Ivorians the trophy when almost all hope was lost.
Haller’s story will be told every time Ivory Coast’s third AFCON trophy will be mentioned.
