Spain midfielders Gavi and Fabian Ruiz received a unique hometown tribute after helping the country win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the players gifted tomatoes matching their body weights.
The pair returned to Los Palacios y Villafranca after Spain’s victory over Argentina in the World Cup final, where they were honoured through a local tradition that recognises athletes for major achievements.
The municipality has maintained a practice of presenting successful local athletes with tomatoes equivalent to their body weight as a symbolic reward for their accomplishments.
Fabian Ruiz was given 187 pounds of tomatoes, while Gavi received 151 pounds, bringing the total presented to the two World Cup winners to 338 pounds.
Images from the ceremony showed the Spanish internationals posing beside crates of tomatoes as residents gathered to celebrate their contribution to Spain’s title-winning campaign.
The tradition has been observed in Los Palacios y Villafranca for years, with local sporting figures receiving the unusual recognition after reaching significant milestones.
Spain’s victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final secured the country’s second World Cup trophy and added another chapter to its football history.
The tomato gift became a notable part of the celebrations, reflecting the hometown pride surrounding Gavi and Ruiz’s achievements on the international stage.
