Sebastien Haller’s story is one of incredible inspiration, bringing hope even in the darkest times. He was at the height of his career at Borussia Dortmund when he was suddenly diagnosed with testicular cancer, a condition that not only threatened his career but also pushed him to the brink of early retirement. Despite this life-altering diagnosis, Haller overcame the illness and didn’t just return to the pitch—he triumphed, becoming a hero by scoring the winning goal in the AFCON 2023 finals. This article explores the journey of Sebastien Haller, a footballer affectionately nicknamed “The Cool Bird” for his calm demeanour and impressive finishing skills.
Sebastien Haller: From Cancer Survivor to AFCON Hero
Preamble:
Sebastien Haller grew up in Ris-Orangis, France, where his parents quickly noticed his endless energy. From an early age, Sebastien was passionate about football, even though his mother preferred he focus on judo. His football practice often led to broken lamps, vases, and other household items, much to his mother’s frustration.
Despite this, Sebastien’s love for football only grew stronger, and eventually, his parents recognized his passion and decided to support him. They enrolled him in a soccer academy, marking the beginning of his journey in the sport he loved.
Sebastien’s Ivorian heritage and relentless drive set him on a path of determination and resilience. He never looked back, dedicating himself to becoming a professional footballer. His story is one of overcoming challenges and pursuing a dream with unwavering commitment, making it an inspiring tale worth telling.
This biography explores Sebastien Haller’s entire journey, from his childhood to the present, showcasing the key moments and achievements that have shaped his remarkable career.
The Unyielding Dream of Sebastien Haller: A Football Success Story
Sebastien Haller Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
For Biography starters, Sebastien Haller was born on the 22nd day of June 1994 to an Ivorian mother whose name is Simone Kuyo and a French father (name unknown as at the time of writing) in the city of Paris, France. Below is a photo of Sebastien Haller’s lovely parents. His mum’s dark skin colour is said to be the dominant gene in the family.
Sebastien Haller Parents- Mother and Father. Credit to Bundesliga.
Sebastien Haller grew up in Ris-Orangis, a commune just 20 km outside of Paris. He didn’t just grow up alone with his parents, but alongside his lovely sister Armelle and his brother Sery Tessia, both pictured below.
Sebastien Haller Brother and Sister. Credit to Bild.
Growing up in his family home in Ris-Orangis, Sebastien Haller’s parents observed their son’s high energy levels and interest in sports, which started when he was age 3.
That year, 1996, also witnessed French success in Judo martial arts via the 1996 Olympics games. This martial arts feat prompted Haller’s mum to enrol her son in Judo classes, which didn’t go well for young Sebastien.
Sebastien Haller Biography – Education:
Starting off, Sebastien Haller had his mind fixed on football, a sport that went against his mum’s wish.
It wasn’t a smooth ride building up his skills and proving a point to his parents. Back then, Haller had a PlayStation console but preferred playing football.
In the quest to master his skill, young Haller would sometimes miss-shoot his ball, which led to broken lamps, flower vases, and glasses, one of the reasons why his mum hated the sport and wanted Judo.
The French man once recalled, according to German Bild:
“Back then, I didn’t get lot of things to do. We were outside everyday, playing football.”
As time went on, Sebastien’s passion for football prevailed against his parents’ wish. Upon seeing football as his true calling, his parents decided to get him registered for trials at a soccer academy.
Sebastien Haller Bio – Early Career Life:
Early on, Haller’s passion for soccer saw him at the age of 10 beginning his footballing journey. He started out with F.C.O. Vigneux, a local club in the suburbs of Paris.
Also, early on in his career, Sebastien’s parents played a very important role. It didn’t take long for him to make an impression with the club as he helped his teammates in winning his first trophy just months after joining.
Sebastien Haller Early Career Success.
After two years of play with F.C.O. Vigneux, young Haller moved on to a bigger academy called Bretigny Foot. Bretigny Foot made him popular, and it was at this moment he began seeing himself as a future star.
In 2007, his talent and potential as a future star saw him on another move, this time joining Auxerre’s youth academy, a club known for producing great players such as the likes of Djibril Cisse, Bacary Sagna, Phillip Mexes, and Eric Cantona.
Sebastien Haller Early Career Life. Credit to Leparisien.
As an upcoming star, only one person was certain about looking up to a role model. Young Haller sorted no other player than Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
Road to Fame Story:
After a seven-year spell with Bretigny Foot, Haller felt the time was right for him to make a bold decision. His performance at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup led to an acquisition by Auxerre, who gave him a three-year deal. At the club, Haller got his professional contract, a piece of news that pleased his entire family.
After three years of professional football, Haller decided to move away from France, this time to the Netherlands. The quest for success saw him joining Dutch side FC Utrecht on loan before sealing a permanent deal. While he was at FC Utrecht, Sebastien Haller’s former coach, Niko Kovac, gave him the nickname “The Cool Bird” due to his calm gestures and great finishing techniques.
Did you Know?… Haller wasn’t just the club’s dressing room DJ but also finished top scorer in the 2015/2016 season for FC Utrecht. This impressive feat saw the club fans voting for him as the winner of the “Di Tommaso Trophy” and Utrecht’s 2015/2016 player of the year award.
Sebastien Haller Biography – Rise to Fame Story:
The Breakthrough in Frankfurt:
At the age of 22, Haller joined Eintracht Frankfurt, a club that believed his development would be best served at its house. It didn’t take much time before Haller proved he was that classic number 9 who only lurks in the box.
Haller’s debut year for Eintracht Frankfurt saw him clenching the DFB Cup, which was the first major honour of his career.
Later on, Sebastien became high and mighty in his formidable partnership with Luka Jovic, the club’s former spiritual leader who later departed to Real Madrid.
Haller’s momentum and power made it difficult for opponents to snatch the ball from his feet. Such effort came with beautiful goals, such as the screamer scissor kick goal against Stuttgart in 2017.
This goal, which was scored in the dying minutes of the game, was voted the Bundesliga’s goal of the season.
Even though Thierry Henry was seen as a role model, the Frenchman is today becoming a role model for a much younger generation who, at the time of writing, sees him as the next French No9. after Olivier Giroud. Unfortunately, France lost him to Ivory Coast, his West African country of family origin.
In 2020, AFC Ajax bought Haller’s talent alongside notable figures like Mohammed Kudus. Haller’s departure from Eintracht Frankfurt saw the club invest in new signings like Djibril Sow and Filip Kostic.
These are footballers who helped The Eagles win the 2021/2022 UEFA Europa League. The rest, as they say, is history.
Love Life:
With Sebastien Haller’s rise to fame, the question on everyone’s lips would probably be; …Who is Sebastien Haller’s Wife or Girlfriend?
There is no denying the fact that his handsome looks plus his amazing 6′ 3″ height wouldn’t make him a darling vine to ladies.
However, behind the successful footballer, there exists a glamorous woman who happens to be his wife.
Sebastien Haller Relationship Life. Credit to IG.
Judging from his social media account, Sebastien Haller proposed to his wife around the 10th of June 2016 in what seems like a very romantic location.
It is most likely that both lovers had a secret wedding ceremony.
Sebastien Haller proposed to his wife.
Around the 14th of March, 2017, Sebastien Haller and his entire family welcomed a bouncing baby girl whose name was confirmed to be Ciara Haller.
As observed in the tweet below, the proud father thanked his beautiful wife, who made him become a man.
Sebastien Haller shows off his newly born daughter.
Personal Life:
Getting to know Sebastien Haller’s personal life would help you get a complete picture of him.
Sebastien Haller Personal Life. Credit to his Official website- haller-sebastien.com.
When a job needs to be done, Haller is the kind of person who will roll up his sleeves and make sure it’s completed successfully.
Off the pitch, Haller always presents a calm demeanour. He likes to stay composed, even when he has a lot on his mind.
Even on the pitch, Haller hardly reveals any emotions. Did You Know?… Only one person can break him, and that happens to be his lovely daughter, Ciara. Below is a piece of video evidence. Credit to Bundesliga.
Lifestyle:
Haller isn’t the type of footballer who lives the lavish lifestyle easily noticeable by a handful of pretty impressive cars and beautiful girls. However, when it comes to the booze, Haller gladly connects with popping wines.
A good amount of his budget is spent on vacation. The French striker once shared a sizzling photo on his Instagram page where he appears to be completely at ease enjoying a sunny holiday with his wife and another where he is alone around the seashore.
Sebastien Haller Family Life:
The Forward’s family hails from Ris-Orangis, a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris characterized by 30% of its population living in social housing and an above-average unemployment rate.
Sebastien Haller is someone who cares deeply about matters of his family and home. He is very much attached to the core people of his origin (mum, dad, brother, and sister) whom he keeps close to.
Among all members of his household, Haller appears to be much closer to his mum.
Sebastien Haller Family Life- Relationship with mother.
Haller’s parents tend to diligently preserve their family memories, especially those who have been concerned about Sebastien for years.
Sebastien’s siblings Armelle and brother Sery Tessia deeply care about the bond they share. Their lovely sister, Armelle, is often viewed as the jewel of the family.
Sebastien Haller’s Siblings- Brother and Sister.
Untold Facts:
He defeated Adebayo Akinfenwa’s Strength on FIFA:
Did You Know?…
After the 2018-2019 winter updates, Haller got boosted in FIFA 19 with a 98 strength, thereby overtaking legendary Adebayo Akinfenwa and Romelu Lukaku, who held the record for years.
Other Nickname:
Aside from being called “The cool bird“, Haller is also called “The challenge machine“. This nickname came as an award for having contested the most challenges of all Bundesliga players in the 2018/2019 season.
Given his physical appearance, areal duals are one of the greatest parts of Haller’s style of play, one which makes him invincible. It is his compensation for a lack of sprint speed.
Sebastien Haller Religion:
The Ivory Coast footballer has no problems talking about his faith as he is very open about his Christian religion faith. He is quick to praise God as soon as he scores a goal.
Haller also credits God for being able to make it throughout the years.
Haller Tattoo Facts:
In a sport where it seems like just about every footballer has tattoos. However, it looks like Sebastien Haller is adamant he will never get tattoos.
Fact Check:
Thanks for reading the story of Sebastien Haller, a footballer who overcome cancer to win the AFCON. We strive for accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver you Ivorian Football stories. Surely, the life history of David Datro Fofana and Franck Kessié will excite you. If you find something that doesn’t look right, please share it with us by commenting below. We’ll always value and respect your ideas.
