- Spanish left-back is one of 23 finalists for 2023 FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11
- The scorer of the goal that made Spain world champions has been included for the first time among the nominees
- The votes of her fellow professional footballers will decide whether Carmona makes the team of the year
Olga Carmona’s left foot has become famous around the world. Two of her thunderbolts were Spain’s last two goals in the 2023 Women’s World Cup; the first enabled them to win the semi-final against Sweden in extra time, the second to defeat England and crown La Roja Women’s World Cup champions at last.
They were reasons enough for her fellow professionals to vote for her en masse and make her one of the 23 players in the running for the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 based on performances for the period 1 August 2022 to 20 August 2023 inclusive.
Though Carmona had a World Cup to remember, the Real Madrid left-back will face tough competition for a place in the line-up of the World 11 with Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Amanda Ilestedt, Ashley Lawrence, Maria Leon and Irene Paredes among the defensive contenders.
The 2022/23 season
Without a doubt, Australia & New Zealand 2023 dominated the year for this full-back from Seville, who can also play in midfield or on the left wing. Her high level and prominent role in the World Cup propelled Carmona to the position of MVP in the final and a place as one of the final three candidates for the UEFA Player of the Year.
But had it not been for her emotional and mental ability to rise above adversity, things could have ended very differently: in her first match as captain of La Roja, she came off at half time when Japan were beating Spain 3-0. The final score was 4-0.
Carmona was on the bench for the Round of 16 match against Switzerland and only came on in extra time in the quarter-final against the Netherlands; there she earned a place once more in the starting eleven and this ended up being a blessing for Spain.
Before the World Cup, Carmona had a solid year with club side Real Madrid. Las Blancas, who were only established as a team in 2020, finished second in Liga F with Olga scoring two goals and making three assists.
They were also runners-up in the Queen’s Cup, losing the final on penalties to Atletico de Madrid. In the Women’s Champions League, the team was eliminated in the group stage, coming third behind Chelsea and PSG. Olga scored one goal in five matches.
Individual achievements in 2022/23
- Nominated for UEFA Player of the Year 2022/23
- Player of the Match Women’s World Cup Final 2023
- Nominated for Ballon d'Or Féminin 2023
Carmona in the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11
At the age of 23, Carmona has made the final shortlist for the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 for the first time in her career.
“Everything went crazy. It was a unique moment. You want to think about so many things that you can’t focus on anything.”
— by Olga Carmona
The football world talks about Carmona
"Olga is a very good mate and it was very special [to see her score in the final]. She’s been showing she’s a really good full-back. She won the player of the match [in the final] and we have enjoyed that [achievement] with her. She is a very good captain. She has that belief in the team and is always talking to everyone about that".
Ona Battle, Spain international
When will the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 be known?
The 2023 FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 will be officially announced at The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023, for which the gala will be held on Monday 15 January 2024 in London, England.
It will be made up of the 11 players – out of the 23 on the final list – who receive the most votes in their position.
