Spain’s World Cup hero Carmona learns of father’s death after final

Spain captain Olga Carmona scored a goal to win the Women's World Cup for Spain. After the match, she found out her father had passed away. The Spanish FA expressed their condolences and support for Carmona and her family. Her family had kept the news from her to help her focus on the match. She thanked her father for giving her the strength to achieve something unique.

Spain captain and World Cup final hero Olga Carmona found out after the match that her father had died, the Spanish FA (RFEF) said on August 20.

Carmona scored a 29th-minute goal to clinch a 1-0 win over England and secure Spain their first Women's World Cup title.

"The RFEF deeply regrets to announce the death of Olga Carmona's father. The footballer learned the sad news after the World Cup final," the Spanish FA said on social media.

"We send our most sincere embrace to Olga and her family in a moment of deep sorrow. We love you, Olga, you are Spanish soccer history."

An RFEF spokesperson told Reuters that Carmona's father had been fighting a long illness and died on Friday.

"I know that you have given me the strength to achieve something unique," Carmona wrote on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "I know you have been watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace, dad."

According to Spanish media outlet Relevo, Carmona's family and friends decided not to tell her so that she could focus on the most important match of her life.