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Feb 12, 2024, 16:19

Runcie C.W. Chidebe: Sebastian has won the AFCON for his country, but you know he already won the biggest fight. The fight against cancer.

Runcie C.W. Chidebe, Executive Director at Project PINK BLUE, shared on LinkedIn:

“In this life, nothing should STOP you from achieving your goal. Sebastian R.T. Haller was diagnosed with testicular cancer in July 2022, yesterday he played a key role in helping his country Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 National Football Team to win 🏆 AFCON 🏆

Sebastian is an inspiration to us all in global cancer control. Sebastian represent passion, hope, power and courage.

More details:

Two weeks after joining the German club, on July 21, 2022, Sebastian underwent an operation to remove his entire cancerous testicle. Six days later, he started receiving chemotherapy. A catheter was attached to his body for five days and he was not allowed to leave the hospital bed.

His personal trainer, Tanguy Fleury, gave him exercises he could do while cooped up in the hospital. When he was released, they would go for runs in the park together — trying to push his body through the fatigue. Sebastian visited Cannes in the south of France with a close group of friends, where he played golf and went on bike rides around the town.

On October 17 that year, he attended the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris with Priscilla and his siblings Armelle and Sery.

Sebastian was voted the 13th best player in the world for his achievements with Ajax, and also went up on stage to present an award. His old tight curls and distinctive facial hair were gone, because of the side effects of his treatment. He was encouraged by his idol, former Ivory Coast captain and fellow striker Didier Drogba, to provide an update on his condition.

On December 20, he had a check-up at the hospital and the doctors confirmed he was fit and healthy. A few weeks later, Haller flew with his team-mates to Dortmund’s winter training camp in the Spanish resort of Marbella. He told reporters at the beginning of the trip that “(retiring) was never on my mind.”

“The last 18 months have been quite challenging for myself and the family,” Sebastian said. “I just take everything step by step and I just try to enjoy the moment.

Sebastian has won the AFCON for his country, but you know he already won the biggest fight. The fight against cancer.”

LinkedIn: Runcie C.W. Chidebe / LinkedIn