Fabian Ruiz and Gavi received an unconventional welcome upon returning to Los Palacios y Villafranca following Spain’s recent World Cup victory. The two midfielders were presented with quantities of tomatoes equal to their own body weights during an official ceremony at the town hall. Ruiz, who plays for Paris St-Germain, was weighed at 85kg, while Barcelona’s Gavi was measured at 68.5kg. Local officials stated that this gesture is a long-standing tradition meant to celebrate the town’s elite athletes.
The event also featured Jesus Navas, the first athlete from the small town to win a World Cup back in 2010. Navas and Ruiz previously received a similar tomato prize following Spain’s success at Euro 2024. To further commemorate the achievements of all three men, the local government plans to rename local football pitches after them and construct a commemorative monument. A town council statement emphasized that the trio serves as significant role models for the community’s youth, representing local pride through their professional and personal conduct.
