SpainWorld Cup-winning captain Olga Carmona was told minutes after Sunday’s final that her father had died, the country’s official said. soccer said the association.

The 23 year old real Madrid the star scored the only goal in his country’s 1-0 win against England today in sydney In the final.

Carmona’s father died on Friday after a long battle with illness, a Spanish FA spokesman told Reuters, but his family took the decision not to inform the left-back until the end of the competition.

Carmona has paid a moving tribute to her father after helping her country to their maiden Women’s World Cup triumph.

“Unknowingly I had my star before the game started,” Carmona wrote, referring to the stars on national team shirts representing World Cup victories.

“I know you have given me the strength to achieve something unique.

“I know you looked at me tonight and are proud of me. Rest in peace daddy.”

According to Spanish news outlet Relevo, Carmona’s family and friends have decided not to tell her so she can focus on the most important match of her life.

Carmona’s mother and brothers traveled to New Zealand during the World Cup group stage but then rushed to Spain. They arrived in Australia on Saturday to support the Real Madrid full-back in the final.

The 23-year-old celebrated her goal on Sunday by paying tribute to a friend who recently lost her mother.

“I think we all felt that this team had something special,” the defender said after Spain won the title.

On Twitter, the Spanish FA said: “We deeply regret to announce the death of Olga Carmona’s father.

“The footballer learned the sad news after the World Cup final. We love you, Olga, you are part of Spanish football history.

“We send our deepest hugs to Olga and her family at a time of deep pain.

“We love you, Olga, you are the history of Spanish football.”

A statement from Real Madrid read: “Real Madrid, our President and our Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the death of the father of our player Olga Carmona.

“Real Madrid would like to express our condolences and love to Olga, her family and all her loved ones.”

Carmona was named player of the match in the final. She also scored the winning goal in Spain’s semi-final against Sweden.

Many took to social media to offer their condolences to Carmona after Sunday’s final.

“Can’t stop thinking about Olga Carmona,” one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Imagine playing the match of your life and scoring the goal that gives your team the World Cup. At the end of the game, they tell you that your father has died. I couldn’t take it, you go from winning it all to losing it all, heartbroken.

“Imagine being captain of your country and scoring a winning goal for the World Cup trophy only to find out your father died after the game, that must have been difficult for Olga Carmona,” wrote another.