Spain's World Cup-winning midfielders Fabián Ruiz and Gavi were honored in their hometown of Los Palacios y Villafranca with a unique tradition: receiving their body weight in tomatoes.
The players, who were part of the Spanish squad that triumphed in North America, returned to the town, located south of Seville, for an official reception at the town hall. Both Ruiz, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona's Gavi wore their gold medals as they were greeted by local officials and a large crowd.
As part of the ceremony, Ruiz and Gavi stepped onto weighing scales to determine the quantity of tomatoes they would be presented with. Ruiz is to receive 85kg, while Gavi will be given 68.5kg. Local officials stated that this tradition has become a hallmark of the municipality for honoring its great athletes.
This is not the first time athletes from Los Palacios y Villafranca have received this honor. Former Spain winger Jesús Navas, the first player from the town to win the World Cup in 2010, and Ruiz also received tomatoes after Spain won the Euro 2024 tournament.
In recognition of their achievements, the town plans further tributes. The local sports pavilion, already named after Navas, will have football fields renamed in honor of Ruiz and Gavi. Additionally, the town hall will support the construction of a monument dedicated to the three champions from Los Palacios y Villafranca, aiming to permanently honor athletes who represent the pride of the town and serve as role models for younger generations.