Olga Carmona, defender and captain of the Spanish Women's National Team, scored the only goal of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final against England in the 29 minute.
In celebration, Carmona lifted her jersey revealing a shirt beneath it that read “MERCHI” in black marker.
The message on the shirt was blurry on the live broadcast and people were unsure what the message was. Once high resolution photos were released, showing the shirt read “MERCHI,” the public was curious about the meaning behind it.
Her goal led Spain to their first ever FIFA Women's World Cup victory. After the final whistle blew, and Spain had won, Carmona explained that the shirt and her celebration were dedicated to the mother of one of her best friends, who recently passed.
"First of all, I want to say that this victory, this achievement, goes to the mother one of my best friends who has recently passed away. I celebrated the goal with her shirt and from here, I dedicate this to the whole family with all my love,” she said in a post match interview to Spanish broadcasters.
After the match, 23-year old Carmona learned that her father had passed away. The Spanish Football Association released a statement breaking the news.
"The RFEF deeply regrets to announce the death of Olga Carmona's father," said the Spanish Football Association on social media, "We send our most sincere embrace to Olga and her family in a moment of deep sorrow. We love you, Olga, you are Spanish soccer history."
Carmona wrote in Spanish, “And without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started. 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,” on her twitter.
Carmona’s club, Real Madrid, also posted their condolences. "Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to Olga, her family and all of her loved ones. Rest in peace," they wrote on their Instagram.
