Spain full-back Olga Carmona has posted a heartbreaking tribute to her father, whose death she learned of after she scored the winning goal in the Women's World Cup Final on Sunday.
Hours after Carmona's goal secured a historic 1-0 win over England, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) issued a statement which confirmed that the player learned of her father's death after the final.
"The RFEF deeply regrets to report the death of Olga Carmona's father," the statement said.
"The soccer player learned the sad news after the World Cup final. We send our most sincere hugs to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain. We love you, Olga, you are the history of Spanish football."
29" GOAL SPAIN 🇪🇸
Olga Carmona with a pinpoint accurate finish to put Spain into the lead against England #FIFAWWC
📺Watch: https://t.co/JYf06csaIG
💻Updates: https://t.co/QV0zdyqqPp #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/KF1z1dwQ0F— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) August 20, 2023
Olga Carmona learned of father's death after Women's World Cup Final
It has been reported by Reuters that Carmona's father died on Friday after battling a long illness but family decided not to tell her so that she could focus on playing in the most important game of her career.
It is added that Carmona's mother and brothers travelled to Australia from Spain on Saturday to support her, having already been in New Zealand to watch her play in the World Cup group stage.
Later on Sunday, Carmona posted her own tribute to her dad on social media, along with a picture of herself kissing her gold medal.
"And without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started," wrote the 23-year-old.
"I know that you have given me the strength to achieve something unique. I know that you have been watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace dad."
Y sin saberlo tenía mi Estrella antes de que empezase el partido. Sé que me has dado la fuerza para conseguir algo único. Sé que me has estado viendo esta noche y que estás orgulloso de mí. Descansa en paz, papá 🌟❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/Uby0mteZQ3
— Olga Carmona (@7olgacarmona) August 20, 2023
Olga Carmona writes her name in history
Carmona's 29-minute goal against England ensured that Spain lifted the Women's World Cup trophy for the first time.
After she scored, she revealed an undershirt which said the name 'Merchi' on it, in tribute to a friend's mother who had recently passed away.
Carmona, who plays for Real Madrid, wore the captain's armband for Spain during the final, before regular skipper Ivana Andres lifted the trophy.
