World Cup champions Fabián Ruiz and Gavi received a unique honor from their hometown: their weight in tomatoes, in recognition of their contributions to Spain winning the World Cup for the second time.
The pair returned to Los Palacios y Villafranca on Tuesday, where they were welcomed with a festive reception at the town hall.
This tomato tradition dates back to 2010 when Jesús Navas was part of Spain’s first World Cup-winning team. Both players were weighed and presented with tomatoes reflecting their respective weights.
Ruiz, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, weighed in at 84 kilograms (185 pounds), while Gavi from Barcelona tipped the scales at 68 kilograms (150 pounds).
Located in Andalusia in southern Spain, Los Palacios y Villafranca is famous not only for its tomatoes but also for nurturing elite football talent.
Navas, a former winger for Sevilla and Manchester City, is the first of the trio, having claimed the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, followed by European Championship victories in 2012 and 2024.
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Ruiz was also part of the squad that won Euro 2024 two years prior, while this summer marked Gavi’s first championship with the national team.
Ruiz and Gavi returned to Spain this week after La Roja triumphed in the World Cup held in North America, with the decisive moment being their 1-0 victory against Argentina in the final.
Alongside their teammates, they participated in a parade in Madrid on Monday before making their way back to their hometown to continue the celebrations.