Who is Sebastien Haller? The Ivory Coast striker with CL record neither Messi nor Ronaldo can boast of 

In the world of football, where the spotlight often shines brightest on the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, there emerges a new sensation, a striker whose prowess in the UEFA Champions League has turned heads and captured hearts.

His name? Sebastien Haller. Hailing from the Ivory Coast, Haller has not only made a name for himself but has also etched his mark in the annals of football history with a remarkable feat that neither Messi nor Ronaldo can boast of – scoring 11 goals in his first 7 Champions League games.

Born on June 22, 1994, in France, Haller's journey to stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary.

From his early days honing his skills through the ranks of french-based youth academies of FCO Vigneux, Bretigny Foot and AJ Auxerre, Haller's dedication and talent were evident from a young age.

After impressing at academy levels, he was promoted to the first team and secured an initial loan move to Dutch side FC Utrecht in the 2014/2015 campaign which was eventually made permanent in the following season due to his goal-scoring abilities, earning plaudits and catching the eye of top clubs across Europe.

In 2017, Haller made a high-profile transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, where he continued to dazzle fans with his clinical finishing and aerial ability.

It was during his time at Frankfurt that he announced himself on the European stage, delivering standout performances in the UEFA Europa League and earning widespread acclaim for his contributions to the team's success.

However, it was his move to Ajax in 2020 that truly catapulted him into the spotlight. Joining the Dutch giants for an audacious £22.5 million fee,

Haller wasted no time in making an impact. His debut season saw him become a vital cog in Ajax's attacking arsenal, terrorizing defenses with his lethal combination of speed, strength, and technique.

But it was in the Champions League where he truly left his mark, setting a record that even the likes of Messi and Ronaldo couldn't match – scoring 11 goals in his first 7 games in the competition.

In 2022, the then 27-year-old returned to the Bundesliga, this time with Borrusia Dortmund. Sadly, weeks into his arrival at the Signal Iduna Park, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and went under the knife.

This ensured that he was sidelined for six months before eventually breaking through to make his debut and return to professional football at the start of 2023. 

On the international stage, the former West Ham marksman represented France at all youth levels earning 51 caps and registering 25 goals along the way but eventually committed his international future to the Elephants of Ivory Coast whom he qualifies to represent through his mother.

He received his first call-up to the Cote d'Ivoire national team and debuted for the Elephants in an AFCON qualifier against Madagascar scoring his sides game winning goal in the 55th minute.

As the footballing world turns its attention to the upcoming African Cup of Nations  final between the Ivory Coast and Nigeria, all eyes will be on Sebastien Haller.

With his blistering form and unmatched scoring prowess, Haller is set to be a key player for the Ivory Coast as they face off against the Super Eagles in a highly anticipated showdown.

His ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage and deliver when it matters most will be crucial to the Ivory Coast's chances of clinching glory and etching their names in the annals of African football history.

In a tournament brimming with talent and passion, Sebastien Haller stands tall as a shining beacon of hope for the Ivory Coast.

As he prepares to lead his team into battle against their fierce rivals, one thing is certain – the world will be watching, and Sebastien Haller will be ready to seize his moment of glory.

Ejim Kaycee

Photo Credit: FIF

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