Sébastien Haller
Ivorian footballer.
Sebastian Haller is a professional footballer currently playing as a striker for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. Born on June 22, 1994, in Ris-Orangis, France, Haller has established himself as a proficient goal scorer known for his physicality, aerial ability, and technical skills.
Haller began his youth career at FC Olympique de Vigneux before joining Auxerre’s youth academy, where he progressed through the ranks to make his professional debut in 2012. His performances at Auxerre earned him a move to FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie in 2015. During his tenure at Utrecht, Haller became a key player, scoring consistently and showcasing his potential in European football.
In 2017, Haller signed with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, where he continued to impress, forming a formidable partnership with Luka Jović and Ante Rebić. His contributions were instrumental in Frankfurt’s successful 2018–2019 season, including a remarkable run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.
Haller's success in Germany attracted interest from West Ham United, and he moved to the English Premier League club in 2019 for a then-record transfer fee. Despite a promising start, his time in England was marked by inconsistency, leading to his transfer to Ajax in January 2021. At Ajax, Haller regained his form, becoming a prolific scorer and playing a vital role in their domestic and European campaigns.
In 2022, Haller joined Borussia Dortmund, where he continues to be an influential figure. Internationally, Haller represents the Ivory Coast national team, having switched allegiance from France. His career is characterized by his ability to adapt and excel across different leagues and competitions, cementing his reputation as a versatile and reliable forward.
Early life & youth football
Sebastian Haller was born on June 22, 1994, in Ris-Orangis, a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, France. He grew up in a multicultural family, with a French father and an Ivorian mother, which later influenced his international career choices.
Haller began his football journey at an early age, joining local club FCO Vigneux at the age of six. He showed promise from the start, demonstrating natural goal-scoring ability and physical prowess. His talents caught the attention of larger clubs, and in 2005, at the age of 11, he moved to the youth academy of Brétigny Foot, a well-regarded development club in the Paris region.
After two years at Brétigny, Haller's potential became evident to professional clubs. In 2007, he joined the youth system of Auxerre, a club known for its excellent youth development program. At Auxerre, Haller continued to progress through the ranks, refining his skills and adapting to higher levels of competition. He played for various youth teams at the club, impressing coaches with his finishing ability, aerial prowess, and intelligent movement off the ball.
Career beginnings
During the 2010/11 season, Sebastian Haller continued his development in Auxerre's youth system. He primarily featured for the club's under-17 team, showcasing his goal-scoring abilities and physical presence. This season was crucial for his growth, as he gained valuable experience and caught the attention of youth national team selectors. The 2011/12 season marked a significant step forward in Sebastian Haller's career. He progressed to Auxerre's under-19 team, where he faced tougher competition and had to adapt to a higher level of play. Haller's performances were impressive, as he continued to demonstrate his natural goal-scoring instincts and improved his overall game.
His strong showings for the under-19s led to opportunities with Auxerre's reserve team, which competed in the Championnat National 2 (fourth tier of French football). This exposure to senior football, albeit at a lower level, was crucial for Haller's development. He had to adjust to the physical demands of playing against adult professionals and learn to use his size and strength more effectively.
Throughout the season, Haller's performances drew increased attention from Auxerre's first-team coaching staff. While he didn't make his professional debut this season, his progress laid the groundwork for future opportunities with the senior squad.
The 2012/13 season was a breakthrough for Sebastian Haller. He continued to impress for Auxerre's youth teams and made significant strides towards the first team. His performances for the reserve side in the Championnat National 2 were particularly noteworthy, as he consistently found the back of the net.
Haller's progress was rewarded with his professional debut for Auxerre's first team in Ligue 2 on July 27, 2012, against Nîmes Olympique. He came on as a substitute, marking the beginning of his senior career. Throughout the season, Haller made several more appearances for the first team, primarily as a substitute, gaining valuable experience at the professional level.
While still primarily featuring for the reserve team, Haller's involvement with the first team increased as the season progressed. This campaign was crucial in his transition from youth prospect to professional player, setting the stage for a more prominent role in the following seasons.
The 2013/14 season saw Sebastian Haller establish himself as a regular member of Auxerre's first team in Ligue 2. He featured more prominently in the squad, making numerous appearances and scoring his first professional goals.
Haller's physical presence and goal-scoring instincts began to translate effectively to the senior level. He demonstrated his ability to hold up play, bring teammates into the game, and finish chances in the box. His performances helped Auxerre in their push for promotion to Ligue 1, although the team ultimately fell short of this goal.
This season was crucial for Haller's development as he adapted to the rigors of regular professional football. He faced tougher competition and had to refine his game to succeed at this level. His progress during this campaign caught the attention of several clubs, both in France and abroad, setting the stage for potential moves in the future.
The 2014/15 season was Haller's final full campaign with Auxerre and marked his true breakout as a professional. He became a key player for the team in Ligue 2, featuring regularly in the starting lineup and significantly improving his goal tally.
Haller's performances were instrumental in Auxerre's improved league position and their run to the Coupe de France final. His ability to score crucial goals and his overall contribution to the team's play drew widespread attention. This season solidified his reputation as one of the most promising young strikers in French football.
However, midway through the season, Haller's impressive form led to a transfer. In December 2014, it was announced that he would join Dutch club FC Utrecht on loan for the remainder of the season, with an option to make the move permanent. This transfer marked the end of his time at Auxerre and the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Development and breakthrough
The 2015/16 season marked Haller's first full campaign with FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie. After impressing during his loan spell, Utrecht exercised their option to sign him permanently. Haller adapted quickly to Dutch football, becoming a key player for the team.
He showcased his goal-scoring prowess, netting 19 times in 37 appearances across all competitions. His performances were crucial in helping Utrecht secure a fifth-place finish in the Eredivisie and qualify for the Europa League playoffs. Haller's physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing made him a handful for Eredivisie defenses.
This season was pivotal in Haller's development, as he proved he could perform consistently at a higher level. His success in the Netherlands began to attract attention from larger clubs across Europe. Haller's performances also earned him a call-up to the French U21 national team, further highlighting his progress.
The 2016/17 season saw Haller cement his status as one of the Eredivisie's top strikers. He continued his excellent form for FC Utrecht, improving on his goal tally from the previous season. Haller scored 13 goals in the Eredivisie and added several more in cup competitions.
His all-round play improved significantly, with Haller not only scoring goals but also providing assists and contributing to Utrecht's build-up play. His performances were instrumental in Utrecht's fourth-place finish in the Eredivisie, their highest league position in years.
Haller's consistent performances throughout the season drew increased attention from scouts representing clubs in Europe's top leagues. His ability to perform in big games, including crucial matches in Utrecht's Europa League qualification campaign, demonstrated his readiness for a higher level of competition. By the end of the season, it was clear that Haller was outgrowing the Eredivisie.
The 2017/18 season marked a significant step up in Haller's career as he moved to Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga. The transfer, reportedly worth around €7 million, represented a major opportunity for Haller to prove himself in one of Europe's top leagues.
Haller adapted impressively to the increased level of competition in Germany. He scored 9 goals and provided 4 assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances, quickly becoming an important player for Frankfurt. His ability to link up play and create chances for teammates was particularly noteworthy.
The highlight of Haller's season came in the DFB-Pokal (German Cup). He played a crucial role in Frankfurt's cup run, including scoring in the semi-final. Frankfurt went on to win the trophy, beating Bayern Munich in the final, with Haller coming on as a substitute. This success marked Haller's first major trophy and solidified his reputation as a rising star in European football.
The 2018/19 season was Sebastian Haller's most successful campaign with Eintracht Frankfurt and the one that catapulted him into the spotlight of European football. In the Bundesliga, Haller made 29 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 9 assists, showcasing his ability not just as a goalscorer but also as a creator.
Haller formed a formidable attacking trio with Luka Jovic and Ante Rebic, dubbed the 'Buffalo Herd' by Frankfurt fans. This partnership was crucial in Frankfurt's impressive fifth-place finish in the Bundesliga, securing Europa League qualification.
In the Europa League, Haller continued his fine form, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists in 10 appearances. Frankfurt had an impressive run in the competition, reaching the semi-finals before being eliminated by eventual champions Chelsea on penalties.
Haller's performances were characterized by his excellent hold-up play, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing. His ability to bring others into play and create chances for his teammates made him a central figure in Frankfurt's attacking system under manager Adi Hütter.
One of the highlights of Haller's season was his spectacular overhead kick goal against Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, which was voted as Frankfurt's Goal of the Season.
Haller's consistent performances and impressive statistics attracted interest from several top European clubs. His successful partnership with Jovic and Rebic, combined with Frankfurt's attractive playing style, made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.
The 2018/19 season was pivotal in Haller's career, establishing him as a top-class striker and setting the stage for his big-money move to the Premier League the following summer.
Becoming an established player
The 2019/20 season marked Sebastian Haller's debut campaign in the Premier League following his high-profile transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt to West Ham United for a club-record fee of £45 million. The move generated significant excitement and expectations among West Ham fans.
Haller made 32 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 7 goals and providing 1 assist. While these numbers were not as impressive as his previous season in Germany, they still made him West Ham's top scorer for the season. His Premier League debut was promising, scoring a brace in a 3-1 win against Watford in his second appearance.
However, Haller struggled to consistently replicate the form that had made him such a sought-after striker. He often found himself isolated in West Ham's system, which didn't always play to his strengths. The team's overall struggles, which saw them finish 16th and narrowly avoid relegation, also impacted Haller's performances.
In cup competitions, Haller scored 3 goals in 2 FA Cup appearances, showcasing his ability to find the net when given opportunities.
Despite the challenges, there were moments where Haller's quality shone through. His hold-up play and aerial ability were assets to the team, even when he wasn't scoring. However, the season was generally seen as a difficult adaptation period for the French striker.
The 2019/20 season was a learning experience for Haller, as he adjusted to the demands of Premier League football and the pressure of being a club-record signing. While it wasn't the explosive start many had hoped for, it laid the groundwork for his continued development in English football.
The 2021/22 season was Sebastian Haller's first full campaign with Ajax, and it proved to be the most prolific of his career to date. In the Eredivisie, Haller was in exceptional form, scoring 21 goals and providing 7 assists in 31 appearances. His performances were crucial in helping Ajax secure their third consecutive Eredivisie title.
However, it was in the UEFA Champions League where Haller truly made his mark. He became only the second player in Champions League history, after Cristiano Ronaldo, to score in all six group stage matches. This incredible run included four goals in a single match against Sporting CP on his Champions League debut. Haller ended the group stage with 10 goals, finishing as the competition's top scorer in that phase.
By the end of Ajax's Champions League campaign, which ended in the Round of 16, Haller had scored 11 goals in just 8 matches. This tally put him third in the overall scoring charts for the season, behind only Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski.
Haller's performances drew praise from across Europe, with many considering him one of the most in-form strikers in world football. His ability to score consistently in both domestic and European competitions highlighted his development into a top-class center-forward.
In addition to his goalscoring exploits, Haller's all-round play continued to impress. His link-up play, aerial ability, and intelligent movement made him a focal point of Ajax's attacking play under Erik ten Hag.
The 2021/22 season firmly established Haller as one of Europe's elite strikers, attracting interest from several top clubs and setting the stage for a potential big-money move in the following transfer window.
The 2020/21 season saw Sebastian Haller split his time between West Ham United in the Premier League and Ajax in the Eredivisie. He began the season with West Ham, where he struggled to find consistent form under manager David Moyes. In 16 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, Haller scored just 3 goals and provided 1 assist. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, including a spectacular overhead kick against Crystal Palace, he failed to fully adapt to West Ham's style of play.
In January 2021, Haller made a high-profile move to Ajax for a reported fee of €22.5 million. The transfer to the Dutch giants offered him a fresh start and a return to the Eredivisie, where he had previously excelled with Utrecht. At Ajax, Haller's fortunes immediately improved. In just half a season, he made 17 appearances in the Eredivisie, scoring an impressive 11 goals and providing 5 assists.
Haller's impact at Ajax was immediate and significant. He formed a potent attacking partnership with Dusan Tadic and quickly became a fan favorite. His performances helped Ajax secure the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cup, completing a domestic double.
In the Europa League, Haller continued his fine form, scoring 2 goals in 3 appearances for Ajax. However, due to an administrative error, he was unable to be registered for the knockout stages of the competition, a situation that frustrated both the player and the club.
Overall, while the first half of Haller's season at West Ham was disappointing, his move to Ajax rejuvenated his career, showcasing his goalscoring ability and all-round play in a system that suited his strengths.
Sebastian Haller's 2022/23 season with Borussia Dortmund was significantly impacted by his diagnosis of testicular cancer in July 2022. He underwent treatment and was sidelined for the first half of the season. Haller made a remarkable return to football in January 2023, making his competitive debut for Dortmund. Despite the challenging circumstances, he contributed to Dortmund's Bundesliga title challenge, scoring 9 goals in 19 appearances across all competitions. His comeback was inspirational, with Haller showing impressive mental strength and determination. He played a crucial role in Dortmund's late-season push, though the team ultimately fell short of the Bundesliga title on the final day. Haller's performances, considering his health struggles, were widely praised, and his return to form was seen as a major positive for both Dortmund and the player himself.
Late twenties
The 2023/24 season has been a defining one for Sébastien Haller at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. After overcoming health challenges, including a battle with testicular cancer in the previous season, Haller returned to the pitch with renewed determination and vigor. His resilience and strength have been inspirational, both to his teammates and fans.
Haller's role as the main striker for Dortmund has been crucial. His physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing have made him a key player in the team's attacking setup. Throughout the season, Haller has consistently found the back of the net, contributing significantly to Dortmund's pursuit of domestic and European success.
In the Bundesliga, Haller's goal-scoring prowess has been on full display. He has scored crucial goals in tight matches, helping Dortmund maintain a strong position in the league standings. His ability to hold up play and link with midfielders has also been instrumental in creating opportunities for his teammates, showcasing his all-around game.
Haller's performances in the UEFA Champions League have been equally impressive. His experience and composure in front of goal have been vital in the group stages and knockout rounds, where he has scored important goals against top European opposition. His presence in the Champions League has underlined his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
Off the field, Haller's story of resilience and recovery has been an inspiration. His positive attitude and determination to overcome adversity have resonated with fans and fellow players alike, making his successful return even more special.
Overall, the 2023/24 season has been a testament to Sébastien Haller's quality as a footballer and his character as a person. His contributions have been crucial to Borussia Dortmund's campaign, and his story continues to inspire.
Youth Internationals
Sebastian Haller's performances at the youth level for Auxerre caught the attention of the French national team selectors. He was called up to represent France at various youth levels, beginning with the Under-16 team in 2010.
Haller went on to play for France's Under-17 team, participating in the 2011 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. His contributions helped France reach the semi-finals of the tournament. He continued to progress through the French youth ranks, representing the country at Under-18, Under-19, and Under-20 levels.
One of the highlights of Haller's youth international career came in 2013 when he was part of the French squad that won the FIFA U20 World Cup in Turkey. Although he wasn't a regular starter in the tournament, his inclusion in the squad underscored his potential and standing within the French youth setup.
Haller's experiences with the French youth teams played a crucial role in his development as a player, exposing him to international competition and different playing styles.
Senior international
Sébastien Haller, born on June 22, 1994, in Ris-Orangis, France, has made a significant impact on the international stage representing the Ivory Coast. Although born and raised in France, Haller chose to play for the Ivory Coast, making his senior international debut in November 2020. This decision came after a successful youth international career with France, where he played for various age groups, including the U17, U19, and U21 teams.
Haller’s first appearance for the Ivory Coast was in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Madagascar, where he immediately showcased his scoring prowess by netting a goal. His physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing quickly made him a key player for the national team. Haller’s contributions were crucial in helping the Ivory Coast secure qualification for the 2021 AFCON tournament.
During the 2021 AFCON held in Cameroon, Haller was a standout performer for the Ivory Coast. He played a pivotal role in the team’s attack, using his strength and goal-scoring ability to lead the line. Despite the Ivory Coast’s elimination in the round of 16, Haller’s performances were widely praised, and he solidified his reputation as one of the top strikers in African football.
In the subsequent 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Haller continued to be an integral part of the Ivory Coast squad. Although the team did not qualify for the World Cup, Haller’s individual performances were impressive, demonstrating his consistent ability to find the back of the net and his importance to the national team setup.
Haller’s international career is characterized by his decision to represent the Ivory Coast, his immediate impact, and his consistent goal-scoring record. His presence adds significant strength to the Ivory Coast’s attacking options, and he continues to be a key figure as the team looks forward to future competitions. His contributions at the international level complement his successful club career, making him a prominent name in both African and European football.
Playing style
Sebastian Haller is a tall, powerful center-forward known for his physical presence and technical ability. Standing at 6'3" (1.90m), he excels in aerial duels, making him a constant threat from crosses and set-pieces. Despite his size, Haller possesses good technical skills, able to hold up play effectively and bring teammates into the game. His link-up play is a key aspect of his game, often dropping deep to participate in build-up play. Haller has a knack for scoring various types of goals, from poacher's efforts to more spectacular strikes. His movement in the box is intelligent, allowing him to find space in crowded areas. While not the fastest striker, he compensates with positioning and strength. Haller's versatility allows him to adapt to different tactical systems, making him a valuable asset for his teams.