Spain's World Cup hero Olga Carmona pays tribute to father who passed away before final

Defender starred in the semi-final and final as La Roja lifted the trophy for the first time

Spain's Olga Carmona after winning the Women's World Cup in Sydney. EPA

Spain's Women's World Cup hero Olga Carmona saw her title celebrations come to a painful end as she learnt of her father's death following the 1-0 final victory over England.

Carmona paid tribute to her father on Monday for giving her the strength "to achieve something unique".

The 23-year-old defender scored the only goal of the final in Sydney on Sunday to help La Roja win the World Cup for the first time in their history.

"And without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started," she posted on X, formerly Twitter.

"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 Spanish federation (RFEF) said Carmona "learnt the sad news after the World Cup final".

"We send our most sincere embraces to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain. We love you, Olga, you are in the history of Spanish football," the federation added.

An RFEF spokesperson told Reuters that Carmona's father had been ill for a long time and had passed away on Friday.

According to Spanish media outlet Relevo, Carmona's family and friends decided not to tell her so that she could focus on the final.

Carmona's mother and brothers travelled to New Zealand during the World Cup's group stage, but then rushed back to Spain. They arrived in Australia on Saturday to support the Real Madrid fullback in the title match.

Carmona scored with a left-footed strike in the 29th minute to give Spain the title. She had also scored a late winner in La Roja’s 2-1 win over Sweden in the semi-finals to become the first player since American Carli Lloyd in 2015 to score in a World Cup semi-final and final.

The 23-year-old was named the final’s most valuable player.

Ivana Andres of Spain and teammates celebrate with the trophy after beating England 1-0 in the Women's World Cup final at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023. Getty

Aitana Bonmati of Spain celebrates after the team's victory. Getty

Spain celebrate their victory over England at the final whistle. AP

Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati of Spain celebrate after the team's victory. Getty

Mary Earps of England shows dejection after the team’s defeat to Spain. Getty

Olga Carmona of Spain scores the opening goal. EPA

Olga Carmona of Spain celebrates after scoring the opener. EPA

Olga Carmona of Spain celebrates after scoring her team's first goal in the Women's World Cup final at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, 2023. Getty

Olga Carmona of Spain scores her team's first goal past Mary Earps of England. Getty

Spain's Olga Carmona celebrates scoring her team's first goal. AFP

Mary Earps of England saves a penalty taken by Jennifer Hermoso of Spain. Getty

Mary Earps of England reacts after saving a penalty taken by Jennifer Hermoso of Spain. Getty

England goalkeeper Mary Earps saves a penalty from Spain's Jennifer Hermoso. PA

England's goalkeeper Mary Earps reacts after saving a penalty from Spain's Jennifer Hermoso. AP

Spanish keeper Cata Coll of Spain dives as Lauren Hemp's shot hits the crossbar. Getty

A shot from England's Lauren Hemp, right, hits the crossbar . AP

England's Lauren Hemp is shown a yellow card by referee Tori Penso. Reuters

Alex Greenwood of England receives medical attention. Getty

England's Alex Greenwood waits to return to the pitch after having her head bandaged. PA