Spain’s victory in the World Cup brought medals, global recognition and record prize money, but for Fabián Ruiz and Gavi, one of the most memorable rewards came hundreds of miles from the New York New Jersey Stadium.Just a few days after helping Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the two midfielders returned to their hometown of Los Palacios y Villafranca, where they were welcomed by one of the most unique traditions in Spanish football – receiving their own body weight in tomatoes.The couple was honored during an official civic reception after returning to Los Palacios y Villafranca, a town of less than 40,000 residents located south of Seville, which has become synonymous with producing elite Spanish footballers.
A town celebration unlike any other
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabián Ruiz and Barcelona star Gavi arrived wearing their World Cup winners’ medals after playing key roles in Spain’s successful campaign in North America.Ruiz started the World Cup final against Argentina, while Gavi turned in another impressive international tournament as Luis de la Fuente’s side secured Spain’s second World Cup title thanks to Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute winner in New Jersey.As part of the ceremony, the traditional weigh-in of the athletes was held, where they were presented with their weight in the most symbolic product of local agriculture. The Los Palacios Tomato Producers Association joined the Town Hall in organizing the tribute.Ruiz tipped the scales at 85 kilos, while Gavi weighed in at 68.5 kilos, with both players receiving the exact amount of Bombón Colorado tomatoes. That gesture became a symbol of the municipality to recognize its most famous athletes.
A tradition dating back to Spain’s golden generation
The ceremony also featured former Spain winger Jesús Navas, who became the first player from Los Palacios y Villafranca 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 city continues to expand its tributes to football heroes.The local sports pavilion already bears the names of Jesús Navas and Fabián Ruiz, while officials confirmed that the football fields will now also be renamed in honor of Gavi after Spain’s most recent World Cup success.In: a statement:the town council also revealed longer-term plans to commemorate all three champions.“In addition, the town hall will promote the construction of a monument dedicated to the three champions from Los Palacios.”The statement added: “In this way, the city council wants to give a permanent tribute to three athletes who represent the pride of the whole town and who, with their sporting and human trajectory, have become role models for several generations of children and young people.”
The victory in Spain also brought a great financial reward
The celebrations come after Spain secured one of the most lucrative prizes in international football.Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike against Argentina not only gave Spain its second World Cup title but also earned the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) FIFA prize of $51 million.According to AS, Spain’s players will each receive a substantial share of the prize money under a bonus agreement negotiated between the squad captains and the RFEF prior to the tournament.
Rodri (16) of Spain lifts the trophy as Spain celebrates after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, NJ, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Unlike paying federations after each knockout round, FIFA awards a payment based on a team’s final finishing position.Just reaching the World Cup final has already guaranteed Spain $34 million. Under the agreement, 40 percent of that amount would have been distributed among the players, creating a bonus pool worth approximately $13.6 million, or just over $523,000 per player before taxes on the 26-man squad.Winning the final adds to the numbers.Under the same agreement, the players became entitled to 45 percent of the FIFA winners’ prize, creating a dressing-room bonus pool worth approximately $22.95 million.That means 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 prize money will remain with the RFEF, which will help cover the federation’s World Cup costs while also being reinvested in the development of Spanish football, including strengthening the federation’s infrastructure and supporting grassroots programs across the country.For Ruiz and Gavi, however, the homecoming shows that not all rewards are measured in prize money. With their World Cup medals and huge bonuses, they returned to the city where their footballing journeys began to receive a unique local honor, one measured in kilos of tomatoes rather than trophies.