- Olga Carmona called her father a "star" in a post-game tribute after learning of his death.
- She added in a post on X that Sunday was "the best and worst day of my life."
After scoring Spain's only goal to clinch the 2023 Women's World Cup title in a game against England on Sunday, Olga Carmona learned of her father's death, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
"The soccer player learned the sad news after the World Cup final," RFEF posted on X. "We love you, Olga, you are the history of Spanish football."
Carmona then took to X hours later to post her own tribute to her late father, calling him a "star" who watched over her during the career-defining game.
"And without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started," Carmona wrote on the platform in Spanish. "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."
Later, Carmona called Sunday "the best and worst day of my life" in another post on X.
"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," Carmona added.
Carmona's team, Real Madrid, also shared their condolences for her father in a statement on their website.
Carmona scored the only goal in Sunday's game, securing a 1-0 World Cup victory over England and Spain's first-ever major trophy in women's soccer, ESPN reported.
According to ESPN, after scoring that fateful goal, Carmona revealed the word "Merchi" written on her undershirt in tribute to a friend's mom who had recently died.
"This victory is for the mum of one of my best friends who passed away recently," she explained after the game when asked about it, ESPN reported.