Sébastien Haller
Sébastien Haller is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Eredivisie club FC Utrecht and the Ivory Coast national team.[1] Born on 22 June 1994 in Ris-Orangis, a suburb of Paris, France, to a French father and an Ivorian mother, Haller holds dual nationality and stands at 1.90 metres tall.[1][2] He began his professional career with AJ Auxerre in Ligue 2, making his debut in 2014 before moving on loan to FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie in 2015, a stint that became permanent in 2016.[1] Over the next two seasons with Utrecht, he scored 38 goals in 80 appearances, establishing himself as a prolific forward. In 2017, Haller transferred to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, where he contributed to their 2018 DFB-Pokal victory and netted 20 goals in the 2018–19 season.[3] His performances earned him a club-record £45 million move to West Ham United in 2019, though his time in the Premier League was less productive with 14 goals in 54 league matches. In 2021, he joined Ajax for €22.5 million, where he thrived under Erik ten Hag, winning the Eredivisie title in 2021–22 as the league's top scorer with 21 goals and scoring 11 goals in the UEFA Champions League, including a hat-trick against Sporting CP. Haller signed with Borussia Dortmund in 2022 but faced a major setback when diagnosed with testicular cancer shortly after arriving, undergoing two surgeries and four rounds of chemotherapy before making a remarkable recovery and returning to play in February 2023.[3][4] During his three years at Dortmund, including a loan spell back to Utrecht in early 2025, he made 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring 12 goals, before departing on a free transfer to FC Utrecht in August 2025.[5][6][7] On the international stage, Haller switched allegiance to Ivory Coast in 2020, scoring on his debut against Madagascar, and has earned 31 caps with 11 goals as of 17 November 2025.[8][9] He represented Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 and 2023, playing a pivotal role in their 2023–24 triumph, where he scored the winning goal in the semi-final against the Democratic Republic of Congo and the second goal in the 2–1 final victory over Nigeria.[10]Early life
Family background
Sébastien Haller was born on 22 June 1994 in Ris-Orangis, a southern suburb of Paris in the Essonne department of France.[11][12] His father was French, while his mother hailed from Ivory Coast, providing him with a bicultural upbringing that blended French and Ivorian influences from an early age.[13][14] Haller's mother grew up in Gagnoa, a town approximately 250 kilometers northwest of Ivory Coast's economic hub Abidjan, before relocating to France around the age of 18, where she met his father.[15] This Ivorian heritage played a significant role in Haller's personal identity, later influencing his decision to represent the Ivory Coast national team despite his French birth and youth international appearances for France.[14][15] He grew up in a supportive family environment alongside siblings, including his sister Armelle and brother Sery.[15] Haller's family roots fostered a strong sense of cultural connection to both France and Ivory Coast, shaping his perspective as he navigated his professional football career.[13][11]Upbringing in France and Ivory Coast
Sébastien Haller was born on 22 June 1994 in Ris-Orangis, a suburb south of Paris in the Essonne department of France.[1] Raised in this multicultural area, he developed an early passion for football, honing his skills on local stone squares and sandy pitches common in Parisian banlieues.[11] His physical stature, standing tall even as a youth, helped him stand out among peers, and he often trained alongside other promising talents from the region who later achieved international success.[11] Haller grew up in a bilingual household with a French father and an Ivorian mother, who had emigrated from Gagnoa in Ivory Coast to France around the age of 18 after meeting his father there.[15] Although his daily life was rooted in French suburbs, his mother's heritage profoundly shaped his cultural identity, exposing him to Ivorian traditions, language, and family stories from extended relatives in Côte d'Ivoire.[16] This dual influence fostered a sense of pride in his mixed background, blending French upbringing with African roots that emphasized community and resilience.[16] His father's support was instrumental in Haller's early development, despite the elder Haller's limited knowledge of the sport; he frequently drove Sébastien and other local children to training sessions and matches across the region.[11] By age 13, Haller's talent was recognized by scouts, leading him to join the youth academy of AJ Auxerre, where he signed his first professional contract at 17 and began formalizing his path in football.[16] While Haller did not spend his childhood residing in Ivory Coast, visits to family there and the ongoing cultural immersion through his mother strengthened his ties to the country, ultimately guiding his decision to represent it internationally starting in 2020.[11][16]Club career
Auxerre
Haller joined the youth academy of AJ Auxerre in 2007 at the age of 13, after playing for local clubs in the Paris region. He progressed through the ranks, impressing during the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup where France reached the quarter-finals. On 26 June 2011, during the tournament, Haller signed his first professional contract with Auxerre, a three-year deal that tied him to the club until 2014.[17] Haller made his senior debut for Auxerre during the 2012–13 Ligue 2 season, the club's first in the second tier following relegation from Ligue 1. He appeared in 17 league matches that season, starting several and contributing 2 goals and 2 assists, while also playing 1 match in the Coupe de la Ligue. His first professional goal came on 1 March 2013 in a 2–1 home win over AC Arles-Avignon, helping Auxerre secure a narrow victory. Overall, Auxerre finished 10th in Ligue 2 that year, with Haller's emergence as a promising centre-forward providing some attacking threat amid a transitional squad.[18][19] In the 2013–14 season, Haller established himself more firmly in the first team, making 25 league appearances and scoring 4 goals in Ligue 2, where Auxerre ended 6th and reached the promotion playoffs but lost to Troyes. He also netted twice in the Coupe de la Ligue, including a goal in a 3–1 group stage win over Gazélec Ajaccio, and featured once in the Coupe de France. His performances highlighted his physical presence and hold-up play as a target man, though the team struggled for consistency. By the 2014–15 season, opportunities diminished under new management; Haller played only 8 league games without scoring and 3 Coupe de la Ligue matches with 1 assist, as Auxerre finished 16th.[18] Seeking more playing time, Haller was loaned to Eredivisie side FC Utrecht on 1 January 2015 for the second half of the 2014–15 season. The move proved successful, leading to a permanent transfer on 30 June 2015 for a reported fee of €750,000, ending his time at Auxerre after 57 senior appearances, 8 goals, and 3 assists across all competitions. During his stint, Haller developed from a raw prospect into a professional ready for a higher level, though Auxerre's second-division status limited his exposure.[20][7]Utrecht
Haller joined FC Utrecht on loan from Auxerre in January 2015.[20] During the second half of the 2014–15 Eredivisie season, he quickly established himself, scoring 11 goals in 17 league appearances.[21] His performances earned him the Di Tommaso Trophy, FC Utrecht's fan-voted Player of the Year award, at the end of that campaign.[21] The transfer was made permanent in July 2015 for a fee of €750,000.[22] In the 2015–16 season, under manager Erik ten Hag, Haller scored 17 goals in 33 Eredivisie matches and contributed to the team's run to the KNVB Cup final.[21][23] The following year, 2016–17, he netted 15 goals in 36 league games, showcasing his physical presence and finishing ability as a target man.[23] Over his initial two-and-a-half years at the club, Haller scored 37 goals in 74 appearances after the permanent signing, helping solidify Utrecht's attack in the Eredivisie.[21] In June 2017, he departed for Eintracht Frankfurt in a €12 million transfer, marking a significant step in his career.[24]Eintracht Frankfurt
Haller joined Eintracht Frankfurt from FC Utrecht on 1 July 2017, signing a four-year contract for a transfer fee of €12 million.[20][25] In his debut season (2017–18), Haller made 31 Bundesliga appearances, scoring 9 goals and providing 4 assists, while contributing 4 goals and 3 assists in 5 DFB-Pokal matches and 5 goals with 3 assists in 10 UEFA Europa League games.[26] His efforts helped Frankfurt secure the DFB-Pokal, defeating Bayern Munich 3–1 in the final on 19 May 2018, marking the club's first major trophy in 30 years; Haller entered as a substitute in the 46th minute.[27][28] The 2018–19 campaign saw Haller emerge as a key figure, netting 15 goals and assisting 7 in 30 Bundesliga outings, alongside 4 goals and 1 assist in 5 DFB-Pokal appearances, and 3 goals with 1 assist in 8 Europa League matches.[26] Frankfurt finished seventh in the Bundesliga and reached the Europa League semi-finals, losing 1–4 on aggregate to Chelsea, with Haller scoring in both legs of the quarter-final victory over Benfica. Overall, he recorded 20 goals and 10 assists across 41 appearances that season.[29] On 17 July 2019, Haller transferred to West Ham United for a club-record €50 million fee, yielding Frankfurt a significant profit on their investment.[20][30]West Ham United
Haller joined West Ham United from Eintracht Frankfurt on 17 July 2019, signing a five-year contract for a club-record transfer fee reported at up to £45 million, potentially rising with add-ons.[31] This made him the most expensive signing in the club's history at the time and positioned him as the primary striker under manager Manuel Pellegrini. He made his debut on 10 August 2019, coming on as a substitute in a 5–0 Premier League defeat away to Manchester City. Haller marked his first goals for West Ham just two weeks later, scoring a brace in a 3–1 victory over Watford on 24 August 2019, including a spectacular bicycle kick for his second.[32] Over the 2019–20 season, he contributed seven goals in 32 Premier League appearances amid the team's mid-table finish and the season's suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[26] The following campaign saw improved form in cup competitions, where he netted four goals across three EFL Cup matches, including two each in comfortable wins over Charlton Athletic (3–0) and Luton Town (4–0) in September 2020.[26] A highlight came on 16 December 2020, when his acrobatic overhead kick equalized in a 1–1 Premier League draw against Crystal Palace, earning him the Budweiser Goal of the Month award. Despite these moments, Haller's overall impact in the Premier League remained modest, with three goals in 16 appearances during the 2020–21 season as West Ham qualified for the Europa League under David Moyes.[26] He featured in six Europa League group-stage matches but did not score. In total, across 18 months at the club, Haller made 54 appearances and scored 14 goals with two assists in all competitions.[26] His departure was confirmed on 8 January 2021, when he transferred to Ajax for a fee of €22.5 million (£20 million), allowing West Ham to recoup a portion of their investment.[33]Ajax
On 8 January 2021, Ajax signed Haller from West Ham United on a four-and-a-half-year contract for a club-record fee of €22.5 million, reuniting him with manager Erik ten Hag from his time at Utrecht.[34] Haller quickly established himself as a key figure in Ajax's attack, contributing to their Eredivisie title win in the 2020–21 season despite joining mid-campaign. In 33 appearances across all competitions that season, he scored 22 goals and provided 10 assists, including notable strikes in the KNVB Cup final victory over Vitesse on 18 April 2021. His physical presence and finishing ability complemented Ajax's high-pressing style, helping the team secure a domestic double.[35][26] The 2021–22 season marked Haller's peak at Ajax, where he emerged as the Eredivisie's top scorer with 21 goals in 30 league matches, powering the team to another league title. Overall, he played 66 official matches for Ajax, scoring 47 goals—all from inside the penalty area—and registering 16 assists, averaging a goal every 114 minutes. His consistent output was instrumental in Ajax's dominant campaign, which included a 93.3% win rate in league games.[35][26] In the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League, Haller delivered a standout performance, scoring 11 goals in seven matches to become Ajax's all-time top scorer in the competition for a single season. He achieved the rare feat of scoring in all six group stage games, matching Cristiano Ronaldo's record from 2003, and netted four goals on his debut against Sporting CP in a 5–1 win on 15 September 2021—the first player to do so since Marco van Basten in 1992. Haller also scored in the round of 16 first leg against Benfica, though Ajax were eliminated on penalties in the second leg.[36] On 6 July 2022, Haller departed Ajax for Borussia Dortmund in a €31 million transfer, potentially rising to €34.5 million with add-ons, allowing the club to recoup a profit on their investment. His time at Ajax revitalized his career after struggles in England, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe's most prolific forwards.[35][37]Borussia Dortmund
Haller signed for Borussia Dortmund on 6 July 2022 from Ajax on a four-year contract for a transfer fee of €31 million, potentially rising to €35 million in add-ons, as a replacement for Erling Haaland.[38] Just 12 days later, during preseason medical checks, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, requiring two surgeries and four cycles of chemotherapy.[3] Haller made his recovery public to raise awareness, stating it was a "message of hope and courage," and returned to training in December 2022 before rejoining the first team in January 2023.[3] Haller debuted for Dortmund on 22 January 2023 in a 4-0 Bundesliga win over Freiburg, entering as a substitute and providing an assist.[39] His first goal came two weeks later on 4 February 2023, heading in a cross in a 5-1 victory against the same opponents, marking an emotional milestone after his health battle. In the 2022–23 season, he featured in 19 Bundesliga matches, scoring 9 goals and adding 5 assists, while contributing in 2 UEFA Champions League appearances. His return coincided with Dortmund's improved form, boosting their attack from 1.67 to 3.11 goals per game in the second half of the campaign.[40] A pivotal moment came on 20 May 2023, when Haller scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Augsburg, putting Dortmund two points clear of Bayern Munich with one match remaining and positioning them to potentially end Bayern's 11-year Bundesliga dominance.[40] Although Dortmund ultimately finished second after a final-day slip, Haller's 2023–24 season saw him play across all competitions, including a late equalizer against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals that helped secure a 5-4 aggregate win and propelled Dortmund to the final, where they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid.[41] Injuries, including an ankle issue, limited his consistency, but his physical presence as a target man enhanced wingers like Donyell Malen and Karim Adeyemi.[40] In the 2024–25 season, Haller struggled for regular minutes amid competition from Niclas Füllkrug, leading to a loan move to La Liga side Leganés in August 2024. He departed Dortmund permanently on a free transfer to FC Utrecht on 18 August 2025, with one year left on his contract, after 41 appearances and 12 goals in all competitions during his tenure.[5]Loan to Leganés
On 30 August 2024, Borussia Dortmund loaned Sébastien Haller to newly promoted La Liga side CD Leganés for the duration of the 2024–25 season.[42] The move came late in the transfer window as Haller sought increased playing time after featuring in just 33 Bundesliga matches for Dortmund since joining in 2022, where he scored 9 goals. Dortmund's sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, emphasized the decision's focus on Haller's development, stating: "It is now important for Sébastien that he plays regularly again and feels the joy of a goal celebration as frequently as possible. He absolutely wants to take the chance he now has in La Liga – and we hope from the bottom of our hearts that he does." Haller debuted for Leganés on 13 September 2024 in a 2–0 away defeat to Real Betis, starting and playing the full 90 minutes. Over the following months, he featured regularly as a starter or substitute, appearing in 8 La Liga matches and 1 Copa del Rey tie. However, his stint proved challenging, with Leganés struggling near the relegation zone for much of the campaign. Haller recorded no goals and 0 assists in 477 minutes of league action, often operating in a low-scoring team environment that limited attacking opportunities.[43][44] The loan agreement was mutually terminated early on 9 January 2025, after Haller had made 9 appearances in total without finding the net. Borussia Dortmund confirmed the parting, noting Haller's limited impact amid Leganés' poor form, which saw the club win only twice in their first 19 league games. The decision allowed Haller to seek a more suitable environment for regaining his form, with both clubs expressing well-wishes for his future.Return to Utrecht
On 9 January 2025, following the early termination of his loan at CD Leganés, Haller rejoined FC Utrecht on a six-month loan from Borussia Dortmund until the end of the 2024–25 Eredivisie season.[45][46] The move allowed the 30-year-old striker to return to the club where he had previously excelled from 2015 to 2017, providing him with regular playing time ahead of Ivory Coast's commitments.[47] Haller made an immediate impact, substituting into his Eredivisie debut against Feyenoord on 12 January 2025 and providing an assist in Utrecht's 2–1 victory.[48] In the KNVB Cup third round against RKC Waalwijk three days later, he came off the bench at halftime with Utrecht trailing 1–0 and scored twice to secure a 2–1 win, advancing the team to the last 16.[49] Over the loan period, Haller featured in 16 Eredivisie matches (15 starts), scoring 4 goals and recording 1 assist, plus 2 appearances and 2 goals in playoffs, while contributing to Utrecht's strong finish in fourth place and qualification for the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League.[50] In May 2025, reflecting on the stint, Haller expressed satisfaction with his contributions, noting a positive start and the team's European push.[51] Following the expiration of his loan, Haller returned to Dortmund but departed permanently on a free transfer to Utrecht on 18 August 2025, signing a one-year contract until June 2026.[52][5] The deal saved Dortmund significant wages without a transfer fee, as Haller's previous contract was set to expire in 2026.[6] Upon signing, Haller described the move as a homecoming, stating, "This is my home," emphasizing his emotional connection to the club and fans.[53] In the early stages of the 2025–26 season, Haller has appeared in 10 Eredivisie matches, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist, while featuring in 4 UEFA Europa League games (qualifying and group stage) without goals or assists as of November 2025.[1] His role has included supporting Utrecht's European campaign, including a 1–1 draw against FC Porto on 6 November 2025.[54]International career
Youth career
Haller, born in France to an Ivorian mother and a French father, began his youth international career representing France, earning caps across multiple age groups from under-16 to under-21 levels. He was a standout performer in the French youth system, noted for his physical presence and goal-scoring ability from a young age.[11][55] At under-19 level, Haller featured in UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers and friendlies, contributing to the team's qualification efforts during the 2012–13 season. He progressed to the under-20 squad in 2013–14, where he continued to develop as a forward. His most prominent role came with the France under-21 team between 2013 and 2016, where he formed part of a talented group including future senior internationals like Benjamin Pavard and Corentin Tolisso. During this period, Haller was a key attacking option, helping France qualify for the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, though they exited in the group stage.[8][13] Haller scored a hat-trick in a 5–0 friendly victory over Estonia under-21s on 25 March 2015, showcasing his clinical finishing. Later that year, on 10 November 2016, he netted another hat-trick in a 5–1 friendly win against Ivory Coast under-21s in Beauvais, France, marking a notable performance against the nation he would later represent at senior level. These achievements highlighted his potential, with reports estimating he amassed around 51 caps and 27 goals across all French youth teams. Despite his success, Haller never earned a senior call-up for France and switched allegiance to Ivory Coast in 2020, eligible through his maternal heritage.[56][57]Senior career
Haller, born in France to an Ivorian mother and French father, was eligible to represent France or Ivory Coast at the international level but opted for his mother's nation of birth, Ivory Coast.[13] He made his senior international debut for Ivory Coast on 12 November 2020, coming off the bench in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar and scoring the winning goal in a 2–1 victory.[13][8] In his following appearances during 2021 World Cup qualifying, Haller netted twice in a 2–2 draw with Cameroon on 6 September 2021, contributing to Ivory Coast's strong start in the campaign.[8] At the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (held in early 2022), Haller scored twice during the group stage: once in a 2–2 draw against Sierra Leone on 16 January 2022 and again in a 3–1 win over Algeria on 20 January 2022.[8] Despite these efforts, Ivory Coast advanced as runners-up in Group E but were eliminated in the round of 16 by Egypt following a 0–0 draw and penalty shootout loss on 26 January 2022.[8] Haller did not feature in any international matches during 2022 after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in July of that year, shortly after transferring to Borussia Dortmund; he underwent chemotherapy and surgery, which sidelined him from all football activity until early 2023.[58][59] Upon his recovery, Haller resumed international duty in March 2023, scoring in a 3–0 World Cup qualifying win over Comoros on 24 March 2023.[8] He added further goals during 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including one in a 1–0 victory against Lesotho on 9 September 2023 and another in a 5–0 rout of Seychelles on 17 November 2023, while also netting in friendlies against Morocco (1–0 win, 14 October 2023) and South Africa (2–0 win, 17 October 2023).[8] Haller played a pivotal role in Ivory Coast's successful 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign as hosts. Overcoming an ankle injury sustained in the round of 16, he scored the decisive goal in the semi-final against DR Congo on 7 February 2024, securing a 1–0 victory with a long-range strike in the 65th minute.[60] In the final on 11 February 2024, Haller came off the bench and netted the 81st-minute winner in a 2–1 comeback triumph over Nigeria, clinching Ivory Coast's third continental title and marking a triumphant return less than 18 months after his cancer diagnosis.[61][62] Since the AFCON victory, Haller has continued to represent Ivory Coast in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, maintaining his position as a key forward. He scored in qualifiers against Burundi on 21 March 2025 and Gambia on 24 March 2025. As of November 2025, he has accumulated 37 caps and scored 13 goals for the national team.[8]Personal life
Health challenges
In July 2022, shortly after completing a transfer to Borussia Dortmund from Ajax, Sébastien Haller was diagnosed with testicular cancer during a routine medical examination.[3] The 28-year-old striker initially experienced symptoms such as a lump and discomfort but had delayed seeking immediate attention due to his demanding schedule.[63] The diagnosis came as a shock, leading Haller to undergo immediate treatment in Germany, where he was supported by the club's medical team.[64] Haller endured a rigorous six-month treatment regimen, including two surgeries to remove the affected areas and four cycles of chemotherapy to target any remaining cancer cells.[4] The chemotherapy caused significant side effects, such as hair loss, fatigue, and weight fluctuations, which he later described as physically and emotionally draining.[63] Despite these challenges, Haller remained optimistic, drawing strength from his family and focusing on rehabilitation exercises to maintain his fitness. By late 2022, medical scans confirmed he was cancer-free, allowing him to resume light training with Ajax in October before rejoining Dortmund.[65] Haller made a remarkable return to competitive football on 22 January 2023, debuting as a substitute for Dortmund against Augsburg, and scoring his first goal on 4 February 2023 in a Bundesliga match against Freiburg.[4] His recovery enabled full participation in subsequent seasons, including Ivory Coast's victory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored the winning goal in the final despite limited playing time due to a prior ankle injury.[59] As of 2025, Haller has reported no recurrence of the illness and continues his professional career with FC Utrecht, advocating for early detection of testicular cancer through public awareness.[66]Family and residence
Haller is married to Priscilla Haller, whom he has described as a pillar of strength, particularly during his 2022 testicular cancer diagnosis when she provided emotional stability for the family.[15][58] The couple has three young children, and Haller has highlighted the difficulty of explaining his illness to them, noting it as one of the toughest aspects of his recovery.[15][67] Family life remains central to Haller, with Priscilla and the children accompanying him on his career moves, fostering a sense of home wherever they are based.[68] Following his permanent transfer to FC Utrecht in August 2025, Haller resides in Utrecht, Netherlands, with his family.[6] This return to the club where he began his professional career marks a homecoming, allowing the family to settle in the Dutch city after previous residences in London (during his West Ham United stint from 2019 to 2021), Amsterdam (Ajax, 2021–2022), Dortmund (primarily Borussia Dortmund, 2022–2024), and a loan to CD Leganés in Spain from August 2024 to January 2025.[69][70][42] Haller has emphasized that his family's presence defines his sense of residence, adapting to new locations while maintaining close ties to his French and Ivorian roots.[68]Career statistics
Club
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| AJ Auxerre | 57 | 8 | 3 |
| FC Utrecht | 132 | 58 | 18 |
| CD Leganés (loan) | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| West Ham United | 54 | 14 | 2 |
| Eintracht Frankfurt | 77 | 33 | 19 |
| Ajax | 66 | 47 | 16 |
| Borussia Dortmund | 41 | 12 | 6 |
| Career total | 436 | 172 | 64 |
International
Haller represented France at various youth international levels, earning caps from under-16 to under-21 categories during his early career development.[1] Despite his strong performances in these teams, he never received a senior call-up for Les Bleus and instead chose to switch allegiance to Ivory Coast, his parents' country of origin, in 2020.[14] Haller made his senior debut for Ivory Coast on 12 November 2020 in a 2–1 victory over Madagascar during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification, scoring the winning goal in the 55th minute. He followed this with another appearance in the return leg, which ended 1–1, and continued to feature in qualifiers, notably scoring a brace in a 2–1 World Cup qualifier win against Cameroon in September 2021.[8][72] By the end of 2021, he had accumulated eight caps and three goals, helping Ivory Coast secure qualification for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (held in 2022).[73] Ivory Coast exited the 2021 AFCON in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout loss to Egypt, with Haller starting in group stage matches but not scoring in the tournament.[74] His international progress was interrupted in July 2022 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer shortly after joining Borussia Dortmund, leading to a hiatus from national team duties during his treatment and recovery.[13] Haller returned to the Ivory Coast squad in October 2023, scoring in a 1–1 friendly draw against Morocco.[75] Haller played a pivotal role in Ivory Coast's successful 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, hosted by the nation in 2024, where he appeared in five matches and scored twice.[76] He netted a stunning overhead kick in the 1–0 semi-final win over DR Congo on 7 February 2024, earning widespread praise for its acrobatic quality.[73] In the final against Nigeria on 11 February 2024, Haller scored the winning goal in the 81st minute during a 2–1 comeback victory, securing Ivory Coast's third AFCON title and marking a triumphant return from his health challenges.[10] This performance, coming just 13 months after his cancer diagnosis, was hailed as one of the tournament's defining moments.[77] As of November 2025, Haller has earned 37 caps for Ivory Coast, scoring 12 goals and providing 4 assists, primarily in World Cup qualifiers and friendlies following the AFCON triumph.[8] He continues to be a key forward for the Elephants in their ongoing 2026 World Cup qualification efforts.| National Team | Caps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivory Coast | 37 | 12 | 4 |