Spain midfielders Fabián Ruiz and Gavi, have been honoured by their hometown of Los Palacios y Villafranca after helping the country win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the pair 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 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 as they were welcomed by local officials and a large crowd of supporters.
As part of the ceremony, both players stepped on weighing scales to determine the quantity of tomatoes they would receive, continuing a local tradition of celebrating outstanding athletes from the community.
Ruiz, weighing 85kg, will receive 85kg of tomatoes, while Gavi will be presented with 68.5kg based on his recorded weight.
Local officials said the gesture had become a tradition and “a hallmark of the municipality for honouring its great athletes.”
Former Spain winger Jesús Navas, who also hails from Los Palacios y Villafranca and was the first player from the town to win the World Cup in 2010, attended the event.
Navas and Ruiz had previously received the same tomato tribute following Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.
The town council announced further recognition for the football stars, revealing that football fields would be renamed after Ruiz and Gavi, while the existing sports pavilion named after Navas would continue to honour the former Manchester City player.
The council also revealed plans to build a monument dedicated to the three champions from Los Palacios y Villafranca.
In a statement, the council said the tribute was aimed at recognising the achievements of the players and their role as inspirations for future generations.
The municipality described Ruiz, Gavi and Navas as sporting figures who represent the pride of the town through their performances and personal journeys.
(Punch)
