World Cup winners Fabián Ruiz and Gavi have each received their weight in tomatoes from their hometown after helping Spain secure their second World Cup title. The two football stars, who were instrumental in Spain's triumph, returned to Los Palacios y Villafranca, a small town south of Seville with a population of fewer than 40,000, on Wednesday, July 22, for an official reception at the town hall.
Unique tradition to honour local heroes
As part of the celebration, both players stepped onto weighing scales to determine the amount of tomatoes they would receive. Ruiz was given 85 kilograms of tomatoes, while Gavi received 68.5 kilograms. This tradition, according to local officials, "has become a hallmark of the municipality for honouring its great athletes."
Former Spain winger Jesús Navas, who was the first player from Los Palacios y Villafranca to win the World Cup in 2010, also attended the ceremony. Navas, who previously played for Manchester City, along with Ruiz, had also received tomatoes after Spain won Euro 2024.
Permanent tributes planned
The town's sports pavilion is already named after Navas and Ruiz, and in recognition of his achievements, Gavi will have football fields renamed in his honour. Furthermore, the town hall announced plans to construct a monument dedicated to the three champions from Los Palacios.
"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," a town council statement said.
