July 18, 2022 is a date that Sébastien Hallerf will remember for the rest of his life. It was supposed to be a regular training day with Borussia Dortmund, who were starting their preseason preparations in Switzerland. The striker had joined the team just two weeks prior from Ajax for £31 million.
However, this day turned out to be anything but ordinary for Aler. The Ivorian footballer felt unwell in the morning. After detailed medical examinations, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Just a year and a half later, he became a hero for his homeland. Aler not only returned to the field but also played in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. Ivory Coast defeated Nigeria 2-1, with the winning goal coming from him.
In the summer of 2022, a return to football at such a high level seemed unthinkable.
Immediately after the devastating diagnosis, the football world sent positive energy to Sebastian. His teammates dedicated their victory against RB Salzburg in a friendly the next day, July 19, to him.
Aler was under no illusions and knew that he was facing a very tough but important battle.
Despite everything, he remained positive. A week after the diagnosis, he posted a photo from the hospital with a wide smile on his face.
“I want to inform you that I have taken the first step,” the striker wrote on Twitter. It was clear to everyone that Sebastian was ready to fight from the very beginning. A month later, he appeared at a special ceremony where he was awarded the top scorer award for the previous season when he was still playing for Ajax. In his speech, he thanked everyone who supported him and couldn’t hold back his tears.
After two successful surgeries towards the end of 2022, speculations arose in the media that Aler was on the verge of returning to football. Could it be possible? Just six months after hearing the worst diagnosis. Aler proved that it was!
In early 2023, he resumed training and immediately set his sights on regaining his best form as quickly as possible before the resumption of the Bundesliga. During the winter break friendlies, he showed that he hadn’t lost his goal-scoring touch. Symbolically, Sebastian played with special boots inscribed with “Kick cancer’s butt.” Coach Edin Terzic rewarded his bravery and put him back on the field.
On February 4, he scored his first goal in an official match for Dortmund against Freiburg. Ironically, it was on the date when the world marks the day of the fight against the insidious disease. The stars aligned for Aler, and nothing could stop him.
His triumphant return to the field is just a small part of the story. Aler brought attention to men’s health issues and called for active prevention. Borussia Dortmund was in the title race with Bayern Munich. Terzic needed a striker and relied on Aler, who scored 9 goals in 18 matches.
Dortmund missed the chance to become champions after a 2-2 draw with Mainz in the final round, and Aler was devastated, stating, “Losing the title is worse than my diagnosis.”
However, his hunger for trophies only grew stronger. And here came the Africa Cup of Nations at home. Aler received a call-up to represent Ivory Coast. Despite everything going smoothly for the footballer in the last 18 months, he missed the group stage matches due to an ankle injury. The tournament could have ended before it even started for Aler as his team lost two of their group stage matches. However, as one of the best third-placed teams, they advanced to the knockout stages.
In the round of 16, Ivory Coast caused a major upset and eliminated one of the favorites, Senegal, on penalties. Aler came off the bench in the second half and scored from the penalty spot.
In the quarterfinals, another drama unfolded. Despite being a man down, the hosts managed to force extra time against Mali, and a goal in the 122nd minute by Umar Diakite secured their place in the semifinals. There, they defeated DR Congo with a minimal 1-0 scoreline. Aler scored in the 65th minute and made the impossible a reality. Ivory Coast reached the final.
With newfound confidence, the Ivorians entered the title match. Nigeria took the lead through William Troost-Ekong before halftime, but the hosts staged a comeback. Frank Kessie equalized, and Aler fulfilled his trophy ambitions with a goal ten minutes before the end.
The footballer has experienced an extraordinary journey in the last 18 months, which can serve as inspiration for countless people around the globe. And perhaps the best is yet to come.
