In a thrilling showdown at the Women’s World Cup final, Olga Carmona of Spain’s national team etched her name in history by scoring the winning goal against England. The 23-year-old fullback for Real Madrid secured Spain’s first-ever Women’s World Cup championship with a masterful strike in the 29th minute on Sunday.
Carmona’s precision-placed shot found the back of the net, sealing a momentous victory for her team. However, her celebration revealed a poignant and heartfelt tribute that resonated deeply with fans around the world.
After the goal, Carmona unveiled a word scrawled on her undershirt: “Merchi.” The young athlete later explained that this was in honor of her best friend’s mother, who had recently passed away. Carmona dedicated the championship win to her friend’s grieving family.
Unbeknownst to Carmona, her own father had also tragically passed away before the game. The athlete, who had no knowledge of her father’s passing, took to social media to express her poignant realization. “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, papá,” Carmona’s heartfelt message read.
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
— Olga Carmona (@7olgacarmona) August 20, 2023pic.twitter.com/Uby0mteZQ3
The Spanish Football Federation shared their condolences and support for Carmona, acknowledging her significant contribution to the history of Spanish football. The federation’s statement highlighted Carmona’s profound impact on the sport and her ability to overcome personal challenges.
Details emerged that Carmona’s family and friends chose not to disclose the news of her father’s passing before the match to ensure it wouldn’t affect her performance. Even in the face of this heartrending loss, Carmona displayed remarkable strength on the field, playing an instrumental role in securing Spain’s triumph over Sweden in the semifinals.
Spain’s championship victory will be celebrated with a public event in Madrid on Monday, reminiscent of the country’s jubilant festivities following the men’s team’s 2010 World Cup win.
Carmona, amidst her emotional journey, reflected on the duality of her experiences. “Yesterday was the best and the worst day of my life,” she shared on social media, encapsulating the complex mix of emotions she was grappling with.
No tengo palabras para agradecer todo vuestro cariño.
— Olga Carmona (@7olgacarmona) August 21, 2023
Ayer fue el mejor y el peor día de mi vida.
Sé que tú querrías verme disfrutar de este momento histórico, por eso estaré con mis compañeras, para que desde donde estés sepas que esta estrella también es tuya papápic.twitter.com/U0FKunGdml
As Spain basks in the glory of its historic Women’s World Cup victory, Olga Carmona’s touching tribute and her unwavering commitment to the game will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in sports history.
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