Spain’s national team captain, Olga Carmona, was informed minutes after Sunday’s final of her father’s death, the Spanish Football Federation said.
The 23-year-old Real Madrid star scored the only goal in her country’s 1-0 victory over England today in Sydney in the final.
A spokesman for the Spanish Federation told Reuters that Carmona’s father died after a long illness on Friday, but her family made a decision not to inform the left-back until after the end of the competition.
Carmona posted an emotional tribute to her father after helping her country to their first Women’s World Cup victory.
“Without knowing it, I had my star before the game started,” Carmona wrote, referring to the stars on the national teams’ shirts representing World Cup victories.
“I know you have given me the strength to achieve something unique.
“I know you’ve been watching over me tonight and you’re proud of me. Rest in peace, Dad.”
According to Spanish media outlet Relevo, Carmona’s family and friends decided not to tell her so she could focus on the most important match of her life.
Carmona’s mother and siblings traveled to New Zealand during the group stage of the World Cup, but then returned to Spain. They arrived in Australia on Saturday to support the Real Madrid defender in the final.
The 23-year-old celebrated her goal on Sunday by honoring a friend who recently lost her mother.
“I think all of us, we felt this team had something special,” said the defender after Spain won the title.
Olga Carmona of Spain accepts the trophy after her victory
(EPA)
The Spanish Football Federation said on Twitter: “We deeply regret to announce the death of Olga Carmona’s father.
“The footballer learned the sad news after the World Cup final. We love you, Olga, you are part of the history of Spanish football.
We send our deepest hugs to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain.
We love you Olga, you are the history of Spanish football.
A statement from Real Madrid read: “Real Madrid, our president and our board of directors are deeply saddened by the death of the father of our player Olga Carmona.
Real Madrid wants to express our condolences and love to Olga, her family and all her loved ones.
Carmona was named MVP of the final. She also scored the late winning goal in Spain’s semi-final against Sweden.
Many took to social media to offer their condolences to Carmona after Sunday’s final.
“I can’t stop thinking about Olga Carmona,” wrote one person on X, formerly Twitter. “Imagine you play the game of your life and score the goal that gives your team the World Cup. Once the game is over, they tell you your father passed away. I just couldn’t handle it, you go from winning everything to losing everything, and your heart is broken.”
Another wrote: “Imagine captaining your country and scoring the World Cup winning goal only to find your father passed away after the match, that was hard for Olga Carmona.”