Olga Carmona scored in Spain’s 1-0 Women’s World Cup win. Then she learned her father had died

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Olga Carmona became a national hero when she scored the decisive goal that earned Spain a 1-0 victory over England in the Women’s World Cup on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Tragically, it was after this triumph that she discovered the devastating news that her father had passed away.

The Spanish soccer federation revealed that Carmona’s father had been ill, and while the player’s mother and other family members were on their way to Australia to watch the final, he died. The details regarding the cause of his death were not disclosed by the federation.

Rather than disrupt the post-match celebrations, the family made the somber decision to withhold the news from Carmona until after the festivities had concluded.

Speaking on X, previously known as Twitter, Carmona emotionally expressed her feelings, thanking her father for giving her strength and conveying her belief that he had been watching her. “I know that you were watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace, dad,” she wrote.

Further World Cup-related news stories reported on a controversial incident involving a Spanish soccer leader and the jubilant reactions back in Spain to La Roja’s win. The admirable performance of England’s Lionesses, despite their loss to Spain in the final, was also acknowledged.

Carmona took to X once more on Monday to express her gratitude for the support she had received and to affirm her attendance at the victory ceremony, referring to the “star” as also belonging to her late father.

The Spanish federation previously announced that the title celebrations would commence upon the team’s arrival in Madrid on Monday night.

Carmona’s winning goal came from a left-footed strike in the 29th minute, solidifying Spain’s 1-0 win in Sydney, Australia. Notably, she also scored the late winning goal in La Roja’s 2-1 victory over Sweden in the semifinals, emulating the feat achieved by American Carli Lloyd in 2015.

Photographs captured the moment of Carmona’s celebration, and the 23-year-old player was subsequently named the final’s most valuable player. In a poignant gesture, she dedicated her goal to a friend who had recently lost her mother.

Reflecting on the win, the Real Madrid defender stated that the team had a special quality, a sentiment later reinforced by Madrid’s own statement offering condolences to Carmona and her family following her father’s death.

Carmona’s teammate, Irene Paredes, who had also lost her father just before the World Cup preparations began, dedicated the title win to him.

The story of triumph, tinged with personal sorrow, resonated deeply with fans and the federation alike, with the latter affirming Carmona’s place in the history of Spanish soccer through a message on X that read, “We love you, Olga.” Her achievement, marred by personal loss, will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most poignant moments in the sport’s history.

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More about Olga Carmona

• FIFA Women’s World Cup Official Site
• Spanish Soccer Federation
• Real Madrid Official Statement
• Women’s World Cup Final Coverage