'You have given me the strength' - World Cup final hero Olga Carmona learns of father's death after Spain's 1-0 win over England

Olga Carmona, who scored Spain's winning goal in the FIFA Women's World Cup final against England, had a sudden emotional transformation after the historic feat on Sunday, August 20. In an absolutely tense and incredibly competitive game at the Stadium Australia in Sydney, Spain emerged victorious as Carmona scored the only goal with a clean finish in the 29th minute.

The World Cup hero created jubilant scenes when she broke the deadlock in the first half. However, the 23-year-old's celebration after the final whistle didn't last long as she learned of her father's death after the game. The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed in a statement that Carmona had been told the heartbreaking news after the final.

"The RFEF deeply regrets to report the death of Olga Carmona's father. The soccer player learned the sad news after the World Cup final. We send our most sincere hugs to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain. We love you, Olga, you are the history of Spanish football," the governing body of football in Spain stated.

Carmona paid tribute to her father

Reacting to her father's demise, Carmona likened her father to a star looking down while playing the final, adding that he must have been proud to see her perform. "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".

The Real Madrid left-back's winning goal made Spain the second country to win both the men's and women's World Cups after Germany. Carmona celebrated the goal by lifting her shirt, which she revealed after the match was to honour her best friend's mother, who had recently passed away.

"First of all, I want to say that this victory, this achievement, goes to the mother one of my best friends who has recently passed away. I celebrated the goal with her shirt and from here, I dedicate this to the whole family with all my love," she said.