Spain midfielders Fabián Ruiz and Gavi were presented with tomatoes when they returned to their hometown after being part of the Spain squad that won the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The players come from Los Palacios y Villafranca—a town to the south of Seville that has a population lower than 40,000—and returned there on Wednesday for an official reception at the town hall.
PSG’s Ruiz, who started the final against Argentina, and Barcelona’s Gavi wore their gold medals as they were greeted by Los Palacios y Villafranca officials and a large crowd.
As part of the celebration for their accomplishment, they both got on weighing scales to determine how many tomatoes they would each receive.
Ruiz will receive 85 kg and Gavi 68.5 kg in a custom that, according to local officials, “has become a hallmark of the municipality for honoring its great athletes.”
Former Spain winger Jesus Navas also attended, having become the first player from Los Palacios y Villafranca to win the World Cup in 2010.
After Spain won Euro 2024, Navas, a former Manchester City forward, and Ruiz both received tomatoes as gifts.
The town’s sports center is dedicated after Navas and Ruiz, and Gavi’s football fields will now be renamed after them in homage.
“In addition, the town hall will promote the construction of a monument dedicated to the three champions from Los Palacios,” said a town council statement.
“In this way, the city council wants to pay permanent tribute to three athletes who represent the pride of an entire town and who, with their sporting and human trajectory, have become role models for several generations of children and young people.”
