Olga Carmona’s Father Cause of Death: How Spain’s World Cup Hero Lost Her Dad Hours After Scoring the Winning Goal

Olga Carmona has been in the news for her cryptic goal celebration during the FIFA Women’s World Cup final. She scored the only goal of the match in the 29th minute to give Spain their first-ever Women’s World Cup title by defeating England 1-0 at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney on August 20, 2023. However, what many people did not know was that Carmona had lost her father Jose Verdasco hours before the game due to a long illness. She learned of her father’s death after Spain’s victory celebrations.

This article will tell you the tragic story of Olga Carmona’s father: how he supported her football career, how he battled his illness, how he passed away on the day of the World Cup final, and how Carmona paid tribute to him on social media.

Olga Carmona’s Father: A Supportive and Proud Parent

Olga Carmona’s father Jose Verdasco was a supportive and proud parent who encouraged her to pursue her passion for football. He was a former footballer himself who played for Sevilla Atlético in the third division of Spanish football. He also coached youth teams in Seville and helped develop young talents.

According to Carmona’s mother Maria García, Verdasco was always there for his daughter and never missed any of her games. He would drive her to training sessions and matches, cheer for her from the stands, and celebrate her achievements with her. He was also very close to his other two children: Carlos and Alejandro.

Verdasco was especially proud when Carmona made her debut for Real Madrid CF in September 2020 after signing a four-year contract with the club. He was also overjoyed when she was called up to the Spain women’s national team for the first time in February 2023. He watched every game she played for Spain and sent her messages of encouragement and love.

Verdasco was also very happy when Olga Carmona was selected for Spain’s squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia in July 2023. He had hoped to travel with his family to watch her play in person but his health condition did not allow him to do so. He had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer in late 2022 and had been undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments ever since.

Olga Carmona’s Father: A Brave Fighter Against Cancer

Olga Carmona’s father Jose Verdasco was a brave fighter against cancer who never gave up hope or lost his spirit. He faced his illness with courage and optimism and tried to live his life as normally as possible. He continued to work as a taxi driver until he could not do so anymore. He also maintained his interest in football and followed his daughter’s career closely.

Verdasco did not want his illness to affect his family or his daughter’s performance. He kept his condition a secret from most people, including Olga Carmona’s teammates and coaches. He did not want to burden them with his worries or distract them from their goals. He only shared his situation with his closest friends and relatives who supported him throughout his ordeal.

Verdasco also did not want his daughter to worry about him or lose focus on her game. He always told her to enjoy playing football and to give her best on the pitch. He also told her to be strong and confident and to believe in herself and her team. He was very proud of her and her achievements and wanted her to fulfill her dreams.

He fought hard against cancer for almost a year but unfortunately, he could not overcome it. His condition worsened in the weeks leading up to the World Cup final and he was admitted to the hospital in Seville. He was in a critical state and the doctors did not give him much hope. He knew he did not have much time left but he still hoped to see Olga Carmona play in the final and win the World Cup.

Olga Carmona’s Father: A Tragic Loss on the Day of the World Cup Final

Olga Carmona’s father Jose Verdasco passed away on August 20, 2023, the same day as the FIFA Women’s World Cup final between Spain and England. He died in the hospital surrounded by his family who had flown from Sydney to Seville after Spain’s semi-final win over Germany on August 16, 2023. They wanted to be with him in his final moments and to say goodbye to him.

Verdasco’s death was a devastating blow for Carmona and her family who had to cope with their grief while also preparing for the biggest game of their lives. Carmona decided to play in the final despite her father’s death as she wanted to honor his memory and make him proud. She also wanted to fulfill his wish of seeing her win the World Cup.

Carmona played all 90 minutes of the final and scored the decisive goal in the first half with a brilliant left-footed strike from outside the box that beat England goalkeeper Carly Telford. She celebrated her goal by pointing to the sky and making a heart sign with her hands, a gesture that was dedicated to her father. She also wore a black armband as a sign of mourning.

Carmona’s goal proved to be enough for Spain to win their first-ever Women’s World Cup title by defeating England 1-0. Spain’s victory was a historic moment for Spanish football and a personal triumph for Carmona who had overcome adversity and tragedy to achieve glory. She was named the player of the match and received the Golden Ball award as the best player of the tournament.

Carmona did not celebrate Spain’s victory with her teammates on the pitch as she was too emotional and overwhelmed by her father’s death. She broke down in tears and hugged her mother and brothers who had returned to Sydney after Verdasco’s funeral on August 18, 2023. They consoled her and told her how proud they were of her and how much they loved her.

Carmona also received messages of condolence and support from her teammates, coaches, fans, and other players from around the world who praised her courage and talent. She thanked them for their kindness and sympathy and said that she dedicated her goal and Spain’s victory to her father who had been her inspiration and motivation.