Emily Brown
Spanish footballer Olga Carmona credited her dad with helping her team win the World Cup after she found out about his death right after the final.
Carmona helped Spain secure the win against England yesterday (20 August), with her goal in the first half sending the team into the lead before the game came to an end at 1-0.
The 23-year-old player joined her teammates in celebrating the historic success, marking the first time Spain have won in the women's World Cup, but just a short while later, the Spanish FA announced the news of her father's death.
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In a post on Twitter - also known as X - the organisation said Carmona learned her dad had died just after the full-time whistle.
"The footballer learned the sad news after the World Cup final. We send out most sincere hugs to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain," it wrote. "We love you, Olga, you are the history of Spanish football."
Carmona's father had being living with a long illness, and after supporting Carmona in the group stages, her mother and brothers rushed back to Spain to be with him as his health deteriorated.
They returned to Australia to support her in the final, but the Spanish media outlet Relevo reports that they decided not to tell her immediately about her dad's passing so she could focus on the match.
After the final, Carmona paid tribute to her dad on X as she shared a picture of herself kissing her World Cup medal.
"And without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started," she wrote. "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."
Carmona's team, Real Madrid, also released a statement, writing on Instagram: “Real Madrid C.F., its president and its Board of Directors deeply lament the passing of the father of our player Olga Carmona.
“Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to Olga, her family and all of her loved ones. Rest in peace."
Carmona was widely praised for her performance in the match, and as well as scoring a goal, she reportedly took the opportunity to pay tribute to a friend whose mother had recently passed away.
The tribute came after Carmona scored her goal, and saw her lift her shirt to reveal the message "Merchi" on her compression top.
Before news of Carmona's father's death was announced, the Spanish FA said title celebrations would take place in Madrid when the squad return home today.