Jesus Navas leads the way
Former Spain winger Jesus Navas was also present at the ceremony. Navas, the former Manchester City forward, was the first player from Los Palacios y Villafranca to lift the World Cup, when Spain triumphed in 2010. He and Ruiz had already received the tomato tribute after Spain's Euro 2024 victory.
The town has long honoured its footballing sons: its sports pavilion already bears the names of Navas and Ruiz. Now, football fields will be renamed in honour of both Ruiz and Gavi.
A monument for three champions
The town council also confirmed plans to go a step further. "In addition, the town hall will promote the construction of a monument dedicated to the three champions from Los Palacios," the council said in an official statement.
"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," the statement added.
