What was written on Olga Carmona’s shirt in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 final?

After the celebration, Carmona lifted her shirt to what read “Merchi” in Spanish, leaving football afficionados puzzled what that was about.

Olga Carmona of Spain celebrates after scoring her team’s first goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Olga Carmona, the captain of the Spanish national women’s team scored the first goal for a Spaniard in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, when she struck against England in 29th minute at the Stadium Australia in Sydney.

After the celebration, Carmona lifted her shirt to what read “Merchi” in Spanish, leaving football afficionados puzzled what that was about.

On social media, several users speculated that it was liked to her former school, Colegio Mercedes, which had posted a message mentioning in her.

However, it was later revealed that the goal was dedicated to the mother of a friend, who had passed away recently.

“I want to say this victory is for one of my best friend’s mother, who died recently, I celebrated the goal with that shirt,” the Spaniard said after the match.

The Real Madrid full-back has proven to be the ultimate clutch player for the Spaniards in the last two games of the tournament, scoring the winner against Sweden and England. The goal in the final proved to be extremely pivotal as Jennifer Hermoso’s penalty - a chance for Spain to double the lead - was saved by the Lionesses’ goalkeeper Mary Earps.