Spain’s FIFA World Cup Celebration Takes a Unique Turn as Gavi and Fabián Ruiz Receive Their Weight in Tomatoes
Gavi and Fabián Ruiz continued Los Palacios y Villafranca’s unique tradition by receiving their body weight in tomatoes after Spain’s triumph.
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Gavi and Fabián Ruiz (Image: BBC)
Gavi and Fabián Ruiz returned to their hometown as FIFA World Cup champions and received a uniquely local reward for their achievement.
The Spanish midfielders were honored on July 21 in Los Palacios y Villafranca, the Seville province town where both players were born. During a ceremony at the town hall, they stepped onto scales and received tomatoes weighing the same as their body weight.
Ruiz received about 84 kilograms of tomatoes, while Gavi received about 68 kilograms. The unusual tribute is tied to the town’s agricultural identity and a local tradition that began after Spain won the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Jesús Navas, another Los Palacios y Villafranca native and a member of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning team, was previously honored with his weight in tomatoes after that triumph. The tradition was repeated for Ruiz and Gavi after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final.
The ceremony allowed the two players to celebrate the title with the community where they grew up. Local officials and residents welcomed them before they appeared from the town hall balcony.
The tomato tribute is closely connected to Los Palacios y Villafranca’s agricultural heritage. The municipality is known for its tomato production, making the fruit a symbol of the town and a fitting part of its celebrations for hometown athletes.
Ruiz played a significant role in Spain’s World Cup campaign. He appeared in all eight matches and scored in the quarterfinal victory over Belgium before starting the final against Argentina.
Gavi featured in two matches during the tournament. His return to the national team came after recovering from a serious knee injury that had threatened his chances of taking part in the competition.
Los Palacios y Villafranca names Football grounds in honor of hometown stars
The tomato tribute was part of a wider celebration for the two world champions. Los Palacios y Villafranca announced that two municipal football grounds would be renamed in honor of Fabian Ruiz and Gavi. The Marismas field will carry Ruiz’s name, while the San Sebastián field will be named after Gavi, whose full name is Pablo Páez Gavira.
The town also announced plans for a monument honoring Ruiz, Gavi and Navas. The tribute recognizes the three footballers from Los Palacios y Villafranca who have represented Spain at the highest level.
Navas already has a municipal sports complex named after him. The new honors for Ruiz and Gavi extend the town’s recognition of its three World Cup champions.
Spain’s victory over Argentina secured the country’s second men’s FIFA World Cup title. The national team completed the tournament unbeaten, winning seven of its eight matches and conceding one goal.
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