Spain captain Olga Carmona has received devastating news about her father just hours after lifting the Women’s World Cup.
Carmona, 23, helped bring the Women’s World Cup to Madrid for the first time after finding the bottom corner against England goalkeeper Mary Earps in the first half.
The Real Madrid left-back was later told her father died on Friday after battling with a long illness.
Carmona wrote on social media: “I know you have been watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace dad.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
England's Alessia Russo in action with Spain's Teresa Abelleira and Olga Carmona
Reuters
The Spaniard, who received her first of 22 caps in 2021, included a picture of her kissing her winners’ medal.
She added: “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.”
The Spanish Football Association (RFEF) and Real Madrid shared their condolences with the 23-year-old.
Olga Carmona scores their first goal
Reuters
RFEF said: “The RFEF deeply regrets to announce the death of Olga Carmona's father.
“The footballer learned the sad news after the World Cup final.
“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.”
England's Lucy Bronze, Georgia Stanway and Jess Carter look on
Reuters
Los Blancos added: “Real Madrid CF, its President and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of the father of our player Olga Carmona.
“Real Madrid wants to express its condolences and her affection for Olga, her relatives and all her loved ones. Rest in peace.”
Carmona’s first half goal against the reigning European champions on Sunday was enough for the Spanish women’s side to win their first piece of international silverware.
Spain has previously struggled on the world stage, having been knocked out by the Lionesses in the Quarter Final of the 2022 Euros and only ever getting out of the group stage at a World Cup once in 2019.
England fans react after England lose the world cup final
Reuters
However, Spain were able to win the Women’s World Cup after beating Costa Rica and Zambia in the group stage.
A 4-0 defeat to Japan in the final group stage match did little to derail La Roja as Jorge Vilda’s side beat Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden en route to Sunday’s final.
Carmona, who played five out of Spain’s seven games in Australia and New Zealand, marked her decisive goal against England with a message on her shirt for a friend whose mother had just died.
The moment has been likened to when ex-Barcelona star Andres Iniesta made a similar gesture to his late friend Dani Jarque when Spain won the World Cup for the first time following a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands.