Spain’s World Cup stars rewarded with tomatoes

Football trophies, medals and cash bonuses are common rewards for World Cup champions, but two Spanish stars have received a prize unlike any other. Following Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph, Fabián Ruiz and Gavi were honored in their hometown with fresh tomatoes equal to their body weight, turning a local celebration into a viral moment.

The unusual tribute took place in Los Palacios y Villafranca, a town in Spain’s Seville province that is famous for producing high-quality tomatoes. Instead of presenting conventional awards, local authorities chose a gift that reflects the town’s agricultural identity and long-standing tradition.

During the ceremony, both midfielders were first weighed before baskets of freshly harvested tomatoes matching their exact weight were presented to them.

Fabián Ruiz, who weighs 85 kilograms, received 85 kilograms of tomatoes, while 21-year-old Gavi was awarded 68.5 kilograms of the locally grown produce. The colorful ceremony, held at the town hall, drew applause from residents who gathered to celebrate their hometown heroes.

Spain lifted the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 19, sparking celebrations across the country. While players have been receiving congratulations and awards from football organizations and government officials, the tomato-themed tribute quickly stood out for its originality and connection to local culture.

Fabián Ruiz played a significant role in Spain’s successful World Cup campaign. The 30-year-old midfielder featured for a total of 366 minutes during the tournament and scored Spain’s opening goal in the quarter-final victory over Belgium. His performances were widely praised as Spain marched to the title.

Gavi, despite limited playing time, also contributed to Spain’s championship-winning squad. The young midfielder appeared for 85 minutes during the tournament and remained an important member of the national team throughout the campaign.

Local officials also announced another lasting tribute to commemorate the players’ achievements. Two football grounds in Los Palacios y Villafranca will be renamed after Fabián Ruiz and Gavi, ensuring that future generations remember their contribution to Spain’s historic World Cup success.

The heartwarming celebration highlighted how communities often honor sporting heroes in ways that reflect their own traditions. For the people of Los Palacios y Villafranca, there could be no better symbol of local pride than the tomatoes that have made their town famous—making the gift just as memorable as Spain’s World Cup victory itself.