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Álex Baena scored the winning goal for Spain against Uruguay (1-0) in the World Cup and dedicated it to María Caamaño, a young fan who died of cancer, on what would have been her 14th birthday. Source: ABC; Source: Infobae The midfielder pointed to the sky after the goal and later said, "I think destiny had something very beautiful prepared for me with her. I think she helped me from wherever she is for that ball to go in." Source: El Español
The match in Guadalajara saw Baena break the deadlock against Uruguay, securing Spain's progression to the knockout stage. The player revealed he had the dedication in mind before the match: "I was able to dedicate the goal to her, which I had in mind, and that's why I am very proud of today's goal." Source: Infobae He added that he believed María "gave a little kick" to the ball to help it enter. Source: Excelsiormx; Source: ABC
María Caamaño, known as the "Princesa Futbolera Guerrera," became a beloved figure during Spain's Euro 2024 victory, where she lifted the trophy with the team Source: Infobae; Source: ABC. Her friendship with Baena began years earlier when he played for Villarreal. Source: Excelsiormx Her memory remains present in the Spanish camp: photos of her hang in the team's training facility and hotel in Chattanooga. Source: ABC; Source: Infobae La Vanguardia quotes Baena's emotional Instagram post: "Many happy returns, María. I know that fate had something prepared for me and it couldn't be more beautiful than on your birthday."
“Cuando he visto la repetición del gol en las pantallas del estadio, he pensado de inmediato que seguro ella, desde arriba, le ha dado una patadita al balón para ayudar a que entrara.”
““Muchas felicidades María. Sé que el destino me tenía algo preparado y no podía ser más bonito que el de tu cumpleaños. Sé que estarás con una sonrisa, te quiero”, escribió el futbolista en sus redes sociales.”
“«Ha sido muy especial ese gol, porque quería dedicárselo a María porque era su cumpleaños hoy. Y yo creo que desde arriba con esa sonrisa me ha ayudado a hacerlo entrar».”
““Quería dedicarle el gol a María, que era su cumpleaños hoy y desde arriba me ha ayudado a que ese balón entrara”, dijo en declaraciones a Dazn tras el partido.”