Spain midfielders Fabián Ruiz and Gavi have been celebrated by their hometown, Los Palacios y Villafranca, after helping the country win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The two players received a special gift of tomatoes that matched their body weights.
The players returned to their town, which is south of Seville and has a population of under 40,000 people, for an official reception at the town hall on Wednesday.
According to BBC Sports on Thursday, Ruiz, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona midfielder Gavi arrived wearing their World Cup gold medals. They were welcomed by local officials and a large crowd of fans.
During the ceremony, both players stepped on weighing scales to find out how many tomatoes they would get. This is a local tradition to celebrate outstanding athletes from the area.
Ruiz, who weighs 85kg, will receive 85kg of tomatoes. Gavi will get 68.5kg of tomatoes, based on his weight.
Local officials said this gesture has become a tradition and “a hallmark of the municipality for honouring its great athletes.”
Former Spain winger Jesús Navas, who also comes from Los Palacios y Villafranca, attended the event. He was the first player from the town to win the World Cup in 2010.
Navas and Ruiz had also received the same tomato tribute after Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.
The town council announced more recognition for the football stars. They revealed that football fields would be renamed after Ruiz and Gavi. The existing sports pavilion named after Navas will continue to honour the former Manchester City player.
The council also shared plans to build a monument dedicated to the three champions from Los Palacios y Villafranca.
In a statement, the council said the tribute aims to recognise the players' achievements and their role as inspirations for future generations.
The municipality called Ruiz, Gavi, and Navas sporting figures who represent the pride of the town through their performances and personal journeys.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇