Fabián Ruiz and Gavi have been honoured with a unique hometown tradition after helping Spain lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup — each receiving their body weight in locally grown tomatoes from Los Palacios y Villafranca, the Andalusian town south of Seville where both players were raised.

The pair returned to Los Palacios y Villafranca on Wednesday for a civic reception at the town hall, greeted by local officials and hundreds of cheering supporters. Both players wore their winners' medals throughout the ceremony.

According to BBC Sport, Ruiz — the heavier of the two — was presented with 84 kg of the town's prized tomatoes, while Gavi received 68 kg. The gesture is far from a one-off: Los Palacios y Villafranca has long maintained the tradition of honouring local players who win major international titles by gifting them the equivalent of their body weight in tomatoes. The custom dates back to 2010, when Jesús Navas became its first recipient after Spain's triumph at that year's World Cup.

Beyond the tomatoes, the town council announced a series of lasting tributes to its three World Cup champions. Football fields in the area will be renamed in honour of Gavi and Ruiz, joining the local sports pavilion — which already bears the names of Navas and Ruiz — as permanent monuments to the town's footballing legacy.

Authorities also confirmed plans to erect a dedicated monument celebrating all three World Cup winners from Los Palacios y Villafranca, with local leaders describing the trio as symbols of pride who have brought international recognition to their community.

The council framed the honours as both a celebration and an inspiration. "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," officials said.