On July 17, 2022, Sébastien Haller's life changed dramatically.
The Ivorian international striker who signed for Borussia Dortmund ten days earlier feels discomfort in his stomach.
After a few tests, the verdict is in: he has testicular cancer.
Read alsoFootball: Sébastien Haller, the match of a lifetime after cancer
The testimonies of his relatives
He then began a long battle against the disease with only one idea in mind: to return as soon as possible to a football field to resume his career.
The former Amsterdam Ajax player recounts this difficult journey in the documentary
Le combat d'Haller
offered on MyCanal and broadcast on Wednesday April 19 at 11:40 p.m. on Canal+.
From September 2022 to February 2023, the cameras of the encrypted channel followed Sébastien Haller in his daily life at the hospital but also during his sports sessions with his physical trainer or at home with his family with his children.
Throughout the film, the footballer testifies, just like his wife, his teammates, his manager or his urologist.
"I've never seen a patient as strong as him
," says the latter.
His wife, very touching, also explains the upheaval that this announcement had on their daily and family life.
"It doesn't just happen to others... I had the scare of my life
," she says.
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Combative, dignified and humble
Throughout the story, Sébastien Haller reveals himself, at once combative, dignified and humble, never losing his sense of humor and considering his illness as a test to be overcome.
“He told me, that's how it is.
I will get through this, make the most of it and I will come back stronger
, ”says Sébastien Kehl, the sporting director of Borussia Dortmund, with emotion.
Read alsoBundesliga: Sébastien Haller returns six months after testicular cancer
And that's what he does.
After an operation in November 2022 which could have compromised his career, the striker returns to the field on January 7, 2023 during a friendly match, six months almost to the day after the announcement of his cancer.
Two weeks later, he again walked the lawn of Signal Iduna Park in front of a crazy public.
“It gives chills
, admits the champion.
The atmosphere was amazing.
Since
then, Sébastien Haller has been involved with the League Against Cancer in favor of prevention.
“I want to make sure that it can help others
,” he concludes.