It was just a simple friendly match but the emotion was strong. Sébastien Haller has rediscovered forgotten sensations and the joy of making the nets tremble. Eight months after his last goal on May 11, 2022 with Ajax, the 28-year-old striker, from Brétigny in Essonne, scored a hat-trick with Borussia Dortmund against FC Basel (6-0), this Friday in friendly. Returning on the hour mark, he only needed 7 minutes to score his three goals (81st sp, 86th, 88th). The end of a long tunnel… His last hat-trick dates back to February 2022 with Ajax against Twente (5-0).
A few days after his transfer in July from Ajax to Dortmund for 31 million euros, Haller, an Ivorian international (15 caps, 4 goals), was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He had to undergo two operations and undergo four cycles of chemotherapy. But his illness progressed favorably. He was able to resume collective training at the end of last week with his team training in Marbella (Spain).
Tuesday, he had played a few minutes entering the 73rd against Fortuna Düsseldorf (5-1). It was his first match with Dortmund’s yellow jersey. Three days later, he therefore opened his counter in his new colors.
After this successful test, he should be in the BVB group for the resumption of the Bundesliga on Sunday January 22 against Augsburg.