Spain midfielders, Fabián Ruiz and Gavi have been honoured in their hometown of Los Palacios y Villafranca after helping Spain win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, receiving a unique gift of tomatoes equal to their body weights.
The two players returned to the town, located south of Seville with a population of fewer than 40,000, for an official reception at the town hall on Wednesday.
According to BBC Sport, Ruiz, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona midfielder Gavi arrived wearing their World Cup winners’ medals as they were welcomed by local officials and hundreds of supporters.
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As part of the celebration, both players stepped onto weighing scales to determine the quantity of tomatoes they would receive, continuing a long-standing local tradition of recognising outstanding athletes from the community.
Ruiz, who weighed 85 kilograms, will receive 85kg of tomatoes, while Gavi, whose weight was recorded at 68.5kg, will be presented with the same amount in tomatoes.
Local officials described the gesture as “a hallmark of the municipality for honouring its great athletes.”
Former Spain winger Jesús Navas, another native of Los Palacios y Villafranca and the first player from the town to win the FIFA World Cup in 2010, also attended the event.
Navas and Ruiz previously received the same tomato tribute following Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph.
The town council announced additional honours for the players, revealing that football fields would be renamed after Ruiz and Gavi, while the existing sports pavilion named after Navas will continue to honour the former Manchester City defender.
Authorities also unveiled plans to construct a monument dedicated to the town’s three World Cup champions.
In a statement, the council said the recognition was intended to celebrate the achievements of the players and inspire younger generations.
The municipality described Ruiz, Gavi and Navas as sporting ambassadors whose careers have brought pride and international recognition to Los Palacios y Villafranca.
Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title at the 2026 tournament, with Ruiz and Gavi playing key roles throughout the campaign. Their victory has sparked celebrations across the country, with several regions organising events to recognise players who contributed to the historic success.
(BBC)
