Just hours after Spanish soccer player Olga Carmona scored the game-winning goal of the Women's World Cup Final, she learned about the tragic passing of her father.
The news was confirmed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation in a statement shortly after the victory, writing that they send their "most sincere hugs to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain."
"We love you, Olga," their post on X, formerly known as Twitter, translates to in English. "You are the history of Spanish football."
The 23-year-old scored the goal in the 29th minute of the game, bringing the score to 1-0 over England. It marked the first Women's World Cup title win for La Roja.
The club Carmona belongs to, Real Madrid, also wrote in a statement, when translated to English: "Real Madrid C.F., the president and the Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the passing of the father of our player Olga Carmona. 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."
After securing their historic victory, Carmona celebrated by lifting her shirt to reveal a message that read "MERCHI," a tribute to the mother of her best friend that had passed away recently. In an X post following the news, she wrote that "without knowing it," she had her "star before the game started."
"I know that you have given me the strength to achieve something unique," she wrote via translation. "I know you have been watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace, dad."
Carmona also reflected on the outpouring of support from fans and media alike, writing: "I have no words to thank all your love. Yesterday was the best and the worst day of my life. I know that you would like to see me enjoy this historic moment, that is why I will be with my colleagues, so that from wherever you are you know that this star is also yours, dad."
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