In one of the most heartwarming stories you will ever hear, Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller scored a hat-trick in his first goals on his return to action.
The former West Ham striker was on fire last season for Ajax, scoring 34 goals in all competitions, including 11 in the Champions League, earning him a move to Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
However, almost immediately after his £28 million move to the German side, Sebastien Haller was diagnosed with testicular cancer, after a tumour was found by the club's doctors.
Since the diagnosis, Sebastien Haller has undergone two surgeries and chemotherapy. Remarkably, he was able to return to training earlier this month, just six months after his diagnosis.
Haller Makes Dream Return
💛 Sebastian Haller returned to the pitch for the first time today in Borussia Dortmund’s friendly game against Fortuna Dusseldorf 🥺#JoySportspic.twitter.com/oUlMkyGFO6
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) January 10, 2023
The 28-year-old made his return to the pitch in Borussia Dortmund's 5-1 friendly win over Fortuna Düsseldorf, replacing Youssoufa Moukoko in the 74th minute.
Today, Sebastien Haller was given more minutes, coming on in the 61st minute against Basel.
If Dortmund fans were concerned that he may bes rusty on his return to action, he quickly put aside those worries with an incredible seven minute hat-trick against Swiss side Basel.
Seine Lieblingsbeschäftigung. 😌 pic.twitter.com/hILkPGuVMv
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) January 13, 2023
After scoring a penalty in the 81st minute, two quickfire goals in the 86t and 88th minute rounded off a 6-0 win for Dortmund, and a dream return to goals for Sebastien Haller.
One of his long term goals was to be back for Borussia Dortmund Bundesliga return on January 22nd against Augsburg, but has exceeded expectations with an remarkable return.
Speaking a few days ago, retiring from the game was never on the cards, as he done everything in his power to get back to fitness.
I want to play as quickly as possible. There are no limits and restrictions on my involvement unless the medical staff tell me otherwise.
I can do everything now that I used to to do before, that gives me great confidence. I took only 19 days off in the six months. It was hard but it’s my job and I love it.
Retiring was never on my mind, I had the mindset of looking forward and take very day at the time. It was harder for my family, they suffered a lot because they didn’t feel in control. They helped me a lot."
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