Spain’s World Cup-winning stars, Fabián Ruiz and Gavi, have been honoured with their combined weight in tomatoes by their hometown after helping the country lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The two players, who are from Los Palacios y Villafranca, a town south of Seville with a population of fewer than 40,000, returned home on Wednesday for an official civic reception at the town hall.
As part of the celebration, Ruiz and Gavi stepped onto weighing scales to determine the quantity of tomatoes they would receive in recognition of their achievement.
Ruiz received 85 kilograms of tomatoes, while Gavi was presented with 68.5 kilograms, bringing the total gift to more than 150 kilograms.
Local authorities described the presentation as a longstanding tradition that has become a symbol of the municipality’s recognition of its outstanding athletes.
Former Spain winger Jesús Navas, who became the first footballer from Los Palacios y Villafranca to win the FIFA World Cup in 2010, also attended the ceremony.
Navas and Ruiz had previously received the same honour after Spain won the UEFA Euro 2024 championship.
The town already has a sports pavilion named after Navas and Ruiz, while football pitches in the municipality will now be renamed in honour of Gavi to celebrate his achievements.
The town council also announced plans to construct a monument dedicated to Navas, Ruiz and Gavi in recognition of their contributions to Spanish football.
According to the council, the monument is intended to serve as a lasting tribute to the three champions, whom it described as the pride of the community and role models for younger generations through their sporting achievements and personal conduct.
