Spain Women’s World Cup hero Carmona pays tribute to father who died before final

Spain’s defender #19 Olga Carmona kisses the trophy after winning the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup final football match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Spain’s Women’s World Cup hero Olga Carmona paid tribute to her father on Monday for giving her the strength “to achieve something unique” after learning of his death following the nation’s 1-0 win over England.

The 23-year-old defender drilled home the only goal of the final in Sydney on Sunday to help La Roja win the World Cup for the first time in their history.

“And without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started,” she posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“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.”

The Spanish federation (RFEF) said Carmona “learned the sad news after the World Cup final.”

Spain’s defender #19 Olga Carmona celebrates scoring her team’s first goal during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup final football match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, 2023. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP)

“We send our most sincere embraces to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain. We love you, Olga, you are in the history of Spanish football,” it added.

The Real Madrid star dedicated her goal to the late mother of one of her best friends, displaying an undershirt with “Merchi” written on it when she scored.

“I want to say this victory is for one of my best friend’s mother, who died recently. I celebrated the goal with that shirt,” Carmona told Spanish state broadcasters La 1, soon after the game’s conclusion.

Carmona’s club Real Madrid said it “wants to express its condolences and affection to Olga, her relatives and all her loved ones” in a statement.

“Rest in peace.”

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