Sébastien Haller, the forward whose name resonated in football circles after his exploits during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), has revealed that his sorrow with Borussia Dortmund outweighed even his battle against cancer.
Dortmund’s Bundesliga Dreams Shattered
At the twilight of the 2022-23 Bundesliga season, the footballer’s boots shone brightly.
With 8 goals in 10 matches, he propelled Dortmund to the brink of clinching the Bundesliga crown for the first time in a decade.
However, fate had a cruel twist in store. A 2-2 draw against Mainz on the final day, coupled with Sébastien Haller’s missed penalty, shattered Dortmund’s dreams.
To add salt to the wound, Jamal Musiala’s winning goal for Bayern Munich against Cologne allowed the Bavarians to retain the title on goal difference.
A Painful Admission
Reflecting on this heart-wrenching denouement, the Ivorian footballer bared his soul in an interview with The Athletic: “It was the biggest disappointment I’ve had in football. It was harder to accept than my illness because I could have an impact on it. I wasn’t just a victim but an actor. It was so painful.
In those moments, you realize how lucky and fortunate you are to have family and friends around you.
If I had been alone, I would probably have stayed on the ground for a week without moving.”
Sébastien Haller’s candid admission underscores the emotional rollercoaster that professional athletes often endure, where triumph and despair intertwine in the quest for glory.
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