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

Unconfirmed Spanish media reports said Carmona’s father died a day before the final but relatives decided to wait until after the match to tell her

‘Without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started,’ Carmona says – ‘I know you gave me the strength to achieve something unique’

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Spain’s Olga Carmona became the first player to score in a World Cup semi-final and final since 2015. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:59am, 21 Aug 2023

Olga Carmona, whose goal won the Women’s World Cup for Spain on Sunday, learned after the final of her father’s death, the Spanish football federation said.

The federation did not say when Carmona’s father died or give a cause of death. It also did not say exactly when Carmona was informed about her father’s death or who told her.

“And without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started,” Carmona said on X, formerly known as Twitter, along with a photo of her kissing her winners’ medal.

“I know that you gave me the strength to achieve something unique. I know that you were watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace, dad.”

After the final whistle, she was among the Spanish players celebrating and dancing on the field, and appeared to participate normally during the trophy presentation.

Some unconfirmed Spanish media reports said Carmona’s father died a day before the final but relatives decided to wait until after the match to tell her the news.