EXCLUSIVE: Father of Spain’s World Cup final scorer is pictured for the first time after his death was kept secret from her while she netted the winning goal against England
- Spain’s World Cup hero Olga Carmona learnt her dad had died after the game
- He lost the fight for his life the day before Sunday’s match but she did not know
- On Monday afternoon, he was named as businessman Tomas Carmona Mena
This is the first picture of the late father of Spain’s World Cup-winning goalscorer.
Olga Carmona learnt her beloved dad had passed away after the final whistle blew following Sunday’s final against England.
It later emerged he had lost his fight for life the day before she took to the pitch after a short illness and the rest of her family had kept his death secret from the left-back until after the game.
On Monday he was named as businessman Tomas Carmona Mena as his relatives revealed the pride he took in his daughter’s footballing feats.
Mail Sport can reveal the father-of-three, also dad to 23-year-old Olga’s two footballer brothers Fran and Tomas, had been diagnosed with cancer around a year ago.
This is the first image of the late father of Spain’s World Cup-winning goalscorer Olga Carmona
On Monday he was named as businessman Tomas Carmona Mena, who almost bought Levante in 2008, as his relatives revealed the huge pride he took in his daughter’s footballing feats
Carmona scored the winning goal in a 1-0 World Cup final win against England on Sunday
Tomas’ nephew Jesus Carmona, Olga’s cousin, told respected Spanish website El Espanol: ‘He saw all the games, until he got a lot worse on Friday.’
Tomas had reportedly separated from Olga’s mum, also called Olga like their daughter, around 20 years ago and had moved from Seville, where his ex still lives, to Malaga.
Although he didn’t see his daughter on a daily basis, they are understood to have stayed in contact and Tomas returned to Seville on occasions to see her play.
He also celebrated some of her memorable footballing moments on social media, including the games she played for current club Real Madrid.
Jesus said: ‘He was very proud of all his children but especially his daughter.
‘We are all Real Madrid supporters in the family.’
In an emotionally-charged post on X, formerly known as Twitter, after learning of her dad’s death following Sunday’s game, Olga likened him to a star looking down on her while she played.
‘Without being aware of it, I had my star before the game began,’ she wrote.
‘I know you have given me the strength to achieve something unique.’
‘I know you have been watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace daddy.’
In a second post earlier today, confirming she would join her teammates for the cup celebration in Madrid, she added: ‘I haven’t got words to thank you for all your support.
‘Today was the best and worst day of my life.
‘I know that you would want to see me enjoy this historic moment and that’s why I’ll be with my teammates, so that wherever you are you know this star is also yours daddy.’