Spain’s World Cup Heroes Receive Their Weight in Tomatoes

Spain’s World Cup Heroes Receive Their Weight in Tomatoes

Spain stars Fabián Ruiz and Gavi have been honoured in an unusual but long-standing tradition in their hometown after helping the country win the World Cup.

The two footballers returned to Los Palacios y Villafranca, a town near Seville, on Wednesday, July 22, where they were welcomed during an official ceremony at the town hall.

As part of the celebration, Ruiz and Gavi stepped onto weighing scales to determine the amount of tomatoes they would receive as a gift.

Ruiz was presented with 85 kilogrammes of tomatoes, while Gavi received 68.5 kilogrammes

Local officials said the tradition had become a special way of celebrating athletes from the town who achieve major success.

Former Spain international Jesús Navas, who also hails from Los Palacios y Villafranca, attended the ceremony. He was the first player from the town to win the World Cup after helping Spain lift the trophy in 2010.

Navas and Ruiz had previously received similar tomato gifts after Spain won Euro 2024.

The town has already named a sports pavilion after Navas and Ruiz, while football fields will now be renamed in honour of Gavi.

The local council also announced plans to build a monument celebrating the three footballers, describing them as a source of pride and inspiration to generations of young people in the community.