Olga Carmona breaks silence on dad's death moments after World Cup win

20 August 2023 , 23:28

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Olga Carmona has paid tribute to her late father on social media (Image: Maja Hitij/FIFA)

Olga Carmona has paid tribute to her late father after it was revealed that she didn't know about his death until after Sunday's World Cup final.

Carmona, 23, was the hero for Spain at the Sydney Stadium, with her 29th minute strike proving to be enough for La Roja to earn their maiden world crown at the Lionesses ' expense. However, it was revealed shortly after the match by the Royal Spanish Football Federation that Carmona's father had sadly passed away.

The statement, which was released on Sunday night, read: "The RFEF deeply regrets to report the death of Olga Carmona's father. The soccer player learned the sad news after the World Cup final. We send our most sincere hugs to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain. We love you, Olga, you are the history of Spanish football."

Olga Carmona, centre, with her mum and brother celebrating winning the World Cup (AFP via Getty Images)

Just hours after that statement was released on social media, Carmona posted a moving message of her own paying tribute to her father, who she described as her "star".

In a post shared on X, Carmona 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".

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Carmona had earlier celebrated her match-winning strike in Sydney by revealing a shirt with the word "Merchi" on it - a message which she later confirmed was a tribute to her best friend's late mother, who had recently passed away.

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."

The Mail outlined on Sunday evening that Carmona's father died on Friday, but the news was kept from the defender in order for her to prepare for the showpiece final.

Carmona, who was named player of the match against England, also scored the winning goal in Spain's dramatic semi-final win over Sweden on Tuesday. The Real Madrid defender featured in six of Spain's seven fixtures at the tournament, scoring twice in the process.

Dan Marsh