Spanish Women’s World Cup Hero Faces Tragic Loss After Victory
Within a span of hours this past weekend, Olga Carmona, Spain’s Women’s World Cup hero, experienced a career high and a deep loss. Carmona, who scored the winning goal against England, learned of her father’s death after the game, according to a statement from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
“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,” the RFEF added.
Carmona, who plays for Real Madrid, also expressed her grief in an emotionally charged tweet. She likened her father to a star looking down on her while she played the final. “And without being aware of it, I had my Star before kick off,” she wrote. “I know you gave me the strength to accomplish something truly unique. I know you were watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace, dad.”
Real Madrid also issued a statement expressing their condolences. “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,” the statement read.
Carmona’s goal in the 29th minute of the match proved to be the winning goal, making Spain only the second country, after Germany, to win both the men’s and women’s World Cups. After scoring, Carmona lifted her shirt in celebration, explaining afterward that she did so to honor the mother of her best friend who recently passed away.
This victory is particularly remarkable considering the disputes and divisions that have clouded the national team throughout the tournament. Last year, 15 Spanish players declared themselves unavailable for selection, expressing their unhappiness with the training methods of head coach Jorge Vilda. Only three of those players were selected for the World Cup squad.
While Spain is now the best women’s football team in the world, the international futures of those exiled players remain uncertain. The victory does not resolve the questions surrounding the national team’s set-up and whether or how the dispute can be resolved.
Despite the off-pitch issues, Spain’s future in women’s football looks bright. The Iberian nation is now a Women’s World Cup winner at the Under-17, Under-20, and senior level.