Spain's World Cup hero Olga Carmona was informed her father had passed away just after she scored the winning goal in Sunday's final against England.
Carmona, 23, sparked jubilant scenes at Stadium Australia when she broke the deadlock midway through the first half; a strike that would ultimately be enough to make history for La Roja, who would go on to win the tournament for the first time ever.
But it was later confirmed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation that Carmona had been told the heartbreaking news that her father had died after the match.
A statement from the RFEF on Sunday evening read: "The RFEF deeply regrets to report the death of Olga Carmona's father. The 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, you are the history of Spanish football."
Carmona had written her name into Spanish folklore with her strike against England just before learning of the devastating news. The Lionesses battled back in a bid to find an equaliser but were unable to breach their opponents.
The game would have been beyond Sarina Wiegman's side much earlier were it not for Mary Earps, who prevented Spain from doubling their lead from the penalty spot in the second half.
During the celebrations after her goal, Carmona revealed a shirt sharing the word "Merchi" - a message paying tribute to her best friend's late mother who had recently passed away.