Women’s World Cup hero Olga Carmona learned of her father’s death in the aftermath of Spain’s victory over England on Sunday.
Reuters report the 23-year-old’s father had been battling a long illness and died on Friday.
But the player’s family and friends kept the tragic news from her so she could focus on the most important game of her life.
Carmona’s mother and brothers were reportedly in New Zealand to support the Real Madrid full-back during the group stage but then rushed back to their country.
They flew to Australia on Saturday for the final match against England.
The young left-back played the full 90 minutes at the Olympic Stadium and scored the 29th-minute goal that ultimately proved decisive in their 1-0 victory, sealing Spain their first World Cup title.
Carmona later posted an emotional message on her social media account, saying her father had given her ‘the strength to achieve something unique’.
She 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.”
Y sin saberlo tenía mi Estrella antes de que empezase el partido. Sé que me has dado la fuerza para conseguir algo único. Sé que me has estado viendo esta noche y que estás orgulloso de mí. Descansa en paz, papá 🌟❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/Uby0mteZQ3
— Olga Carmona (@7olgacarmona) August 20, 2023
Carmona played a vital contribution to Spain’s success in the World Cup.
She started five games in the prestigious competition and was selected as La Roja’s captain for the semi-final and final matches.
The 23-year-old scored the winning goal in the 89th minute against Sweden after Rebecka Blomqvist’s late equaliser.
She was the difference-maker for her country in the final, netting the decisive goal in the first half.
