Spain’s World Cup victory has brought medals, international recognition and a priceless reputation, but for Fabián Ruiz and Gavi, one of the most memorable moments came hundreds of miles from the New York New Jersey Stadium.A few days after helping Spain defeat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the two players returned to their home in Los Palacios y Villafranca, where they were welcomed with a strange tradition of Spanish football – receiving their body weight in tomatoes.The pair were honored at a reception on their return to Los Palacios y Villafranca, a town of less than 40,000 south of Seville, which has become synonymous with producing Spain’s top players.
A village festival unlike any other
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabián Ruiz and Barcelona forward Gavi arrived wearing World Cup winners’ medals after playing a key role in Spain’s successful North American campaign.Ruiz started the World Cup final against Argentina, while Gavi featured in another impressive international as Luis de la Fuente’s side claimed Spain’s second men’s World Cup thanks to Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute winner in New Jersey.As part of the ceremony, a traditional weighing of the athletes took place, where they were given their weight in popular agricultural products. The Los Palacios Tomato Producers Association cooperated with the Town Hall in preparing the tax.Ruiz tipped the scales at 85 kilograms, while Gavi weighed 68.5 kilograms, both players received the same in Bombón. Colorado tomatoes. The show has become a symbol of the municipality in recognizing the most famous athletes.
A tradition that dates back to Spain’s golden age
The event also featured former Spanish winger Jesús Navas, who became the first Los Palacios y Villafranca player to win the FIFA World Cup when Spain lifted the trophy in South Africa in 2010.Navas has already received the same tomato tribute after helping Spain win Euro 2024, alongside Ruiz.The town has continued to honor its football heroes.The local stadium already bears the names of Jesús Navas and Fabián Ruiz, while officials confirmed that the football pitches will now be renamed in Gavi’s honor following Spain’s recent World Cup success.In wordsThe town council also unveiled long-term plans to commemorate all three artists.“In addition, the town hall will promote the construction of a monument dedicated to three artists from Los Palacios.”The statement added: “In this way, the city council wants to pay eternal respect to three athletes who represent the pride of the whole town and, with their sports and social culture, have been role models for several generations of children and young people.”
A Spanish victory also brings a huge financial reward
The celebrations come after Spain won the most valuable prize in world football.Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike against Argentina not only gave Spain their second World Cup trophy but also earned them the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) FIFA prize of $51 million.According to AS, Each Spanish player will receive a large share of the prize money in accordance with the bonus agreement negotiated between the team managers and the RFEF before the tournament.
Rodri (16) of Spain lifts the trophy as Spain celebrates after winning the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Unlike organizations that pay after each knock-out tournament, FIFA offers a one-off payment based on a team’s final position.Just reaching the World Cup final has already guaranteed Spain $34 million. Under the deal, 40 percent of that money would be split among the players, creating a bonus pool of $13.6 million, or more than $523,000 per player before taxes on the 26-man roster.The final victory increased those numbers significantly.In the same deal, the players had access to 45 percent of the prize money of the winners in FIFA, creating a bonus pool for the living room of about $22.95 million.This means that each member of Spain’s 26-player squad is expected to receive around $882,700 (€760,000) before tax, according to AS.The rest of the award will remain with the RFEF, helping to reimburse the organization for the World Cup and be reinvested in the development of Spanish football, including strengthening federal resources and supporting international programs.For Ruiz and Gavi, however, their return showed that not every prize is worth the prize. Along with their World Cup medals and huge bonuses, they returned to the city where their football journeys began to receive ordinary honors, measured in kilograms of tomatoes instead of trophies.