On World Cancer Day, Haller scores a goal against cancer
After two operations and chemotherapy, Sebastien Haller is back on the pitch. The striker heads his first goal for BVB against Freiburg. The relief and jubilation are huge. Haller has a special message on his shoes.
Eit was easy for him. Sebastien Haller only had to turn his head and push the ball over the line of the Freiburg goal from a few meters. The BVB striker did what a striker should do – he scored the goal to make it 3-1. But the supposedly easy goal was a very special one. The teammates rushed towards the 28-year-old and celebrated him euphorically. The decisive goal in Dortmund’s 5:1 was the most emotional goal of the current Bundesliga season to date. For the first time since surviving cancer, Haller was successful for BVB and that of all things on World Cancer Day.
Haller, who had moved from Ajax Amsterdam to Dortmund, was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the preparation. He fought back after chemotherapy and two surgeries and worked hard to make his comeback. Against Freiburg, Haller was in Borussia’s starting XI for the second time.
Clear message on the shoes
“It means a lot to me,” said the Ivorian international on Sky. “I’ve been waiting for this since day one,” Haller said. There is nothing better for a striker than to score: “It gives me a boost.” After his goal and the exuberant celebration, Haller pointed to his shoes, which read a clear message: “Fuck cancer”.
Haller’s shoes with “Fuck cancer” written in white
Quelle: Getty Images/Alex Grimm
When Dortmund coach Edin Terzic Haller substituted in the 60th minute, the fans in the stadium rose and celebrated the striker. After the game, BVB tweeted two photos. One shows Haller marked by chemotherapy last September, the other a jubilant photo after the sovereign victory against Freiburg. “He’s a hero,” Borussia captioned the two photos.
Haller does not have much time to enjoy and relax. As early as next Wednesday, BVB have to play VfL Bochum in the round of 16 of the DFB Cup before they continue in the Bundesliga on Saturday at Werder Bremen.
