After Spain’s historic 1-0 win over England in the Women’s World Cup Final in Sydney on Sunday, one of its stars received some devastating news.
Olga Carmona, the 23-year-old who scored the championship match’s only goal in the 29th minute, was informed that her father had died.
According to the Associated Press and ESPN, he had been battling an illness and had passed on Friday. The rest of her family traveled to Australia for the championship match and decided to wait until after to give her the news.
“And without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started,” Carmona wrote on Twitter. “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.”
“Yesterday was the best and worst day of my life,” she added on Monday. “I know that you would want to see me enjoying this historic moment, so that’s why I’ll be with my teammates, so that from where you are, you know that this star is also yours, Dad.”
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and Real Madrid, Carmona’s team in Spain, also issued statements on her father’s passing.
“We deeply regret that we must announce the death of Olga Carmona’s father,” the RFEF wrote in a statement. “[Carmona] learned of the sad news after the World Cup final. We send our deepest condolences to Olga and her family at this time of deep sorrow. We love you, Olga, you are Spanish football history.”
“Real Madrid, the president and the board of directors are deeply saddened by the passing of the father of our player Olga Carmona,” a statement from Real Madrid read. “Real Madrid would like to extend our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Olga, her family and all her loved ones. May he rest in peace.”
Carmona scored in each of Spain’s final two matches, while teammate Aitana Bonmati was named the most valuable player of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Spain is still expected to hold a celebration for its World Cup team on Monday in Madrid as scheduled.