Spain midfielders Fabián Ruiz and Gavi have received a unique homecoming honour after being presented with tomatoes equal to their body weight by their hometown of Los Palacios y Villafranca following Spain’s victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The two players returned to the town, located south of Seville, for an official reception at the town hall, where they were welcomed by local officials and cheering supporters while proudly wearing their World Cup winners’ medals.
As part of a long-standing local tradition, both players stepped onto weighing scales to determine the quantity of tomatoes they would receive.
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Ruiz, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, weighed 85 kilograms and will receive 85 kilograms of tomatoes, while Barcelona midfielder Gavi, who weighed 68.5 kilograms, will receive the same amount in tomatoes.
The town council described the tribute as one of its signature ways of recognising outstanding athletes who have brought pride to the community.
Former Spain winger Jesús Navas, another native of Los Palacios y Villafranca and a member of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad, attended the ceremony.
Navas and Ruiz had previously received the same tomato tribute after Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 success.
The municipality also announced that football fields will be renamed in honour of Ruiz and Gavi, while the existing sports pavilion named after Navas will remain unchanged.
In addition, the council revealed plans to build a monument celebrating the town’s three World Cup champions.
According to local officials, the honours recognise the players’ achievements and celebrate them as role models for future generations.
