Spanish Stars Ruiz and Gavi Honored with Unique Tomato Tradition Following World Cup Victory

While World Cup glory brings many accolades, receiving a bounty of tomatoes equivalent to one’s own body weight is certainly a unique distinction.

This was the unconventional reward presented to Spanish midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Gavi upon their return to their hometown following Spain’s triumphant campaign in North America.

The duo hails from Los Palacios y Villafranca, a municipality south of Seville with a population of under 40,000. They returned to the town on Wednesday for an official reception hosted at the local town hall.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Ruiz, a starter in the final against Argentina, and Barcelona’s Gavi were greeted by local officials and a large crowd while proudly wearing their gold medals.

To celebrate their achievement, both players stepped onto scales to determine the exact weight of tomatoes they would receive.

In accordance with a local tradition used to honor great athletes, Ruiz will receive 85kg of tomatoes, while Gavi will receive 68.5kg.

Former Spain winger Jesus Navas was also in attendance, having been the first player from Los Palacios y Villafranca to secure a World Cup title in 2010.

Navas, the former Manchester City forward, and Ruiz also participated in this tomato-giving tradition following Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.

The town’s sports pavilion is already named in honor of Navas, and as a further tribute to their success, local football fields will be renamed after Ruiz and Gavi.

“Furthermore, the town hall will facilitate the construction of a monument dedicated to the three champions from Los Palacios,” a town council statement announced.external

“Through this initiative, the city council aims to provide a permanent tribute to three athletes who embody the pride of our community. Their sporting excellence and character have made them role models for generations of children and young people.”

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