Spain’s World Cup triumph has brought medals, global recognition and record prize money, but for Fabián Ruiz and Gavi, one of the most memorable rewards arrived hundreds of miles from New York New Jersey Stadium.Just days after helping Spain defeat 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 with one of Spanish football’s most unusual traditions — receiving their own body weight in tomatoes.The pair were honoured during an official civic reception after returning to Los Palacios y Villafranca, a town of fewer than 40,000 residents located south of Seville, which has become synonymous with producing elite Spanish footballers.
A hometown 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 featured throughout another impressive international tournament as Luis de la Fuente’s side captured Spain’s second men’s 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 took place, where they were presented with their weight in the most emblematic product of local agriculture. The Los Palacios Tomato Producers Association, joined the Town Hall in organising the tribute.Ruiz tipped the scales at 85 kilograms, while Gavi weighed 68.5 kilograms, with both players receiving those exact amounts in Bombón Colorao tomatoes. The gesture has become a hallmark of the municipality in recognising its most distinguished athletes.
A tradition dating back to Spain’s golden generation
The ceremony also featured former Spain winger Jesús Navas, who became the first footballer from Los Palacios y Villafranca to win the FIFA World Cup when Spain lifted the trophy in South Africa in 2010.Navas had previously received the same tomato tribute after helping Spain win Euro 2024, alongside Ruiz.The town has continued expanding its tributes to its footballing heroes.The local sports pavilion already carries the names of Jesús Navas and Fabián Ruiz, while officials confirmed that football fields will now also be renamed in honour of Gavi following Spain’s latest 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 pay permanent tribute to three athletes who represent the pride of an entire town and who, with their sporting and human trajectory, have become role models for several generations of children and young people.”
Spain’s triumph also brings a major 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 delivered Spain’s second World Cup title but also earned the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) FIFA’s winners’ prize of $51 million.According to AS, Spain’s players will each receive a substantial share of that prize under a bonus agreement negotiated between the squad captains and the RFEF before the tournament.
Spain’s Rodri (16) lifts the trophy as Spain celebrates after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Unlike paying federations after every knockout round, FIFA awards a single payment based on a team’s final finishing position.Simply reaching the World Cup final had already guaranteed Spain $34 million. Under the agreement, 40 per cent 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 across the 26-man squad.Winning the final increased those figures even further.Under the same agreement, the players became entitled to 45 per cent of FIFA’s 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 taxes, according to AS.The remaining prize money will stay with the RFEF, helping cover the federation’s World Cup expenses while also being reinvested into the development of Spanish football, including strengthening the federation’s infrastructure and supporting grassroots programmes across the country.For Ruiz and Gavi, however, the homecoming demonstrated that not every reward is measured in prize money. Alongside their World Cup medals and sizeable bonuses, they returned to the town where their football journeys began to receive a distinctly local honour, one measured in kilograms of tomatoes rather than trophies.
