A few days ago, Borussia Dortmund’s new signing, Sebastien Haller, broke the news that sent shockwaves through social media and the football world. He had been diagnosed with testicular cancer and would have to undergo treatment.
Obviously, the expressions of affection were many, the football world showed their support and wished him a speedy recovery. His team will be with him until his treatment is completed, and he can return, something the player emphasised. He will come back stronger because he wants to succeed in Germany.
A hard blow for the Teutonic team, who lost Haaland and signed Haller to replace the Norwegian. The season is about to start, and Borussia will fight with extra motivation because they want to dedicate every game to the Ivorian who will watch them on TV while he returns to the pitch, so it is not a bad idea to bet at Bookmaker Ratings South Africa on your favourite team with the highest odds and in the best places.
His case is not unique in football. Let’s take a look at 5 footballers who have suffered from cancer and have returned to the top level.
- German Burgos
El Mono, as the Argentinian is called, was always known for his rocker style and rebellious attitude. A strong goalkeeper who was not intimidated by anything and who was a guarantee between the sticks.
With River, he won everything and was selected for the Argentine national team. From the goal, he was a leader with his commanding voice and intimidating look, several times he wore the captain’s badge of the teams he played for.
With Atlético de Madrid, he became one of the most trusted and reliable goalkeepers and won promotion with the club in the 2001-02 season, which elevated his status to that of a symbol of the club. That is why when he announced in 2003 that he had kidney cancer, the red-and-white fans immediately showed their affection for him.
The tough Burgos never gave up and beat the disease. He returned to the pitch to defend the Madrid shirt for one more season, where he proved that not even cancer could defeat him. A very tough guy in every sense of the word.
- Virginia Torrecilla
The Spanish player is a talented midfielder who was part of Barcelona and the Spanish national team for a long time. Her great performances made Montpellier take her to France to a more competitive league.
She always stood out for her mental strength and her sense of security with the ball. She recovers and distributes like few players in her position. In 2019 Atlético Madrid, who were putting together a great team, looked to her to reinforce the midfield.
But in 2020 the world of women’s football was shaken by the news. Virginia had a brain tumour and had to undergo surgery. It was said that it was impossible for her to return to play, and she was practically given up for retirement because the tumour in her head was life-threatening.
But that strength that characterised her in the midfield meant that she never gave up, and on 23 January 2022 in a game against Barcelona she returned to the pitch. At the end of the game, both teams carried her and celebrated as if she had won a championship. She did something better. She beat death
- Jonas Gutierrez
The Argentine striker became Newcastle’s idol because of his performances, his goals, and because he always gave his all on and off the pitch like few others. His passion made the fans love him unconditionally.
One day during a game against Arsenal, after a collision against Bacary Sagna, he started to feel pains in his abdomen, it was not normal because the collision was not that bad. The doctor gave him the news that would change his life. He had testicular cancer, and it was very dangerous, he had to be treated immediately.
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He was operated on and returned to play for Norwich City, when he came on as a substitute the crowd welcomed him like a hero. Jonas was very grateful for the gesture and tried to repay it with a goal. But his story became more complicated because, after several more tests, it was confirmed that the cancer had spread, and he needed further treatment.
After undergoing chemotherapy, he managed to beat cancer and returned to the pitch in 2015 with Newcastle. When he came on as a substitute in the FA Cup, the stadium burst into tears because they had witnessed a miracle, Jonas was back.
Fate had a surprise in store for him, as he would score the goal that would save the team from relegation. With the captain’s badge and with the fans on his side, celebrating the permanence and that he was alive. A fairy tale ending
- Eric Abidal
The French defender became a symbol of Barcelona for his fighting spirit and miraculous recovery. In 2011, he was diagnosed with a tumour in his liver, which appeared to be malignant. Suspicions were confirmed when in 2012 the news broke that he would undergo a kidney transplant.
Barcelona was devastated because “Abi” was an indispensable part of the team, his joy and companionship were an important part of the squad that was fighting for the Champions League. They loved him so much that Dani Alves offered to give him part of his liver.
It was thought that he would not return to play, and there was talk within the team that the continental tournament had to be won in his honour. But weeks after the operation, the Frenchman surprised everyone by returning to training and declaring himself ready to play. Guardiola could not believe it.
Abidal was a starter in the Champions League final, where they beat Manchester United with an exhibition of football. Puyol, the Barcelona captain, had the right to be the first to lift the trophy. In a gesture of leadership and incredible generosity, he took off his armband and gave it to the Frenchman, so that he would be in charge of receiving the trophy. An image that will go down in history.
- Arjen Robben
It is almost unheard of, but the Dutchman suffered from cancer very early in his career and almost had to retire. In his first season with Chelsea, he broke a bone in his foot after a match and was out for a few weeks.
In one of the therapies, he told the doctors that he had noticed a strange lump in one of his testicles. Cancer was confirmed, and the footballer said the news was one of the worst he had ever received and that the period of time was horrible.
He underwent treatment and managed to recover 100% and was instrumental in the Blues winning the league title that season. His career was impressive, and he won everything at club level. Robben mentions that he was able to find the tumour in time, and it didn’t go any further, but that the days he spent with the uncertainty were the worst of his life.
These are just a few examples of players who have managed to overcome this terrible disease and return to play. We are sure that Sebastian Haller will shine with Dortmund and, as he said, he will come back stronger. Cheer up, Haller!
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