Olga Carmona, the captain and match-winner of Spain’s women’s football team, has revealed that her father passed away before the World Cup final against England on Sunday. The 23-year-old scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute, securing Spain’s first ever World Cup title in Sydney, Australia. However, she did not know about her father’s death until after the match, when she was informed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Carmona took to social media to express her grief and gratitude for her father, who she said had given her the strength to achieve something unique. She posted a picture of herself holding the trophy with her mother and brother, who had travelled to Australia to support her. She wrote: “And without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started. 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.”
A touching tribute on the pitch
Carmona had also dedicated her goal to another person who had recently passed away: the mother of one of her best friends. She revealed a shirt with the word “Merchi” on it after scoring, which was a tribute to her friend’s late mother. She told Spanish broadcasters after the match: “First of all, I want to say that this victory, this achievement, goes to the mother one of my best friends who has recently passed away. I celebrated the goal with her shirt and from here, I dedicate this to the whole family with all my love.”
Carmona’s gesture was praised by many fans and fellow players, who admired her courage and compassion in such a difficult moment. Her teammate Jennifer Hermoso said: “She is an example for all of us. She has shown that she is a great person and a great player. She has made history for Spanish football and we are very proud of her.”
A historic feat for Spanish football
Carmona’s goal was not only a personal triumph, but also a historic feat for Spanish football. It was the first time that Spain had reached the final of the Women’s World Cup, and they did so by beating some of the strongest teams in the world, such as Brazil, Germany and England. They also became the first European team to win the tournament since Germany in 2007.
Carmona, who plays for Real Madrid, was one of the standout performers of the tournament, scoring four goals and providing two assists in seven matches. She was named as the player of the match in the final, and also received the Golden Ball award as the best player of the tournament. She was joined by two other Spanish players in the tournament’s best XI: goalkeeper Sandra Paños and defender Irene Paredes.
Spain’s coach Jorge Vilda praised his team for their historic achievement, saying: “This is a dream come true for us. We have worked very hard for this moment and we have shown that we are a great team. We have made history for Spanish football and we hope that this will inspire many girls and women to play this sport.”