Spain’s World Cup triumph ends with the players receiving their body weight in tomatoes

Spanish stars Fabián Ruiz and Gavi get their bodyweight in tomatoes as hometown winners after their World Cup triumph/ Image: lospalacios Spain’s World Cup triumph 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 New York New Jersey Stadium.Just 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 to be greeted by one of Spanish football’s most unusual traditions – receiving their own body weight in tomatoes.The pair were honored during an official civic reception upon their return to Los Palacios y Villafranca, a town of less than 40,000 south of Seville that has become synonymous with producing Spain’s elite footballers.

A hometown celebration like no other

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabián Ruiz and Barcelona star Gavi arrived with 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 in another impressive international as Luis de la Fuente’s side claimed Spain’s second World Cup title thanks to Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute winner in New Jersey.As part of the ceremony, the traditional weighing of the athletes took place, where they were presented with their weight in the most emblematic product of local agriculture. The Tomato Producers Association Los Palacios joined the City Hall in organizing the tribute.Ruiz tipped the scales at 85 kilograms while Gavi weighed in at 68.5 kilograms, with both players receiving exactly those amounts in Bombón. Colorao tomatoes. This gesture has become a hallmark of the municipality in honoring its most outstanding athletes.

The tradition dates back to Spain’s golden generation

The ceremony was also attended by 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 previously received the same tomato honor after helping Spain win Euro 2024 alongside Ruiz.The city continues to expand its tributes to its football heroes.The local sports pavilion already bears the names of Jesús Navas and Fabián Ruiz, while officials have confirmed that football pitches will now also be renamed in Gavi’s honor following Spain’s latest World Cup success.IN declarationthe city council also unveiled 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 of Los Palacios.”The statement goes on to say: “In this way, the city council wants to pay a lasting tribute to three athletes who represent the pride of the entire city and who have become role models for several generations of children and young people with their sports and human careers.”

The triumph of Spain also brings a large financial reward

The celebrations come after Spain won one of the most lucrative prizes in international football.Ferran Torres’ long-range strike against Argentina not only gave Spain their second World Cup title but also earned the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) a $51 million FIFA winners’ prize.According to AS, Spain’s players will receive a substantial portion of this prize based on a bonus agreement negotiated between team captains and the RFEF prior to the tournament.

Spain’s Rodri (16) lifts the trophy as Spain celebrates after winning the World Cup soccer final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Unlike paying federations after each knockout round, FIFA awards a single payment based on a team’s final ranking.Just reaching the World Cup final guaranteed Spain $34 million. Under the deal, 40 percent of that amount would be split among the players, creating a bonus pool worth about $13.6 million, or just over $523,000 per player before taxes on the 26-man squad.The victory in the final increased these numbers even more.Under the same agreement, the players were entitled to 45 percent of the FIFA winner’s prize, creating a locker room bonus pool worth approximately $22.95 million.That means each member of Spain’s 26-player squad should receive around $882,700 (€760,000) before tax, according to AS.The remaining prize money will remain with the RFEF, helping to cover the federation’s expenses for the FIFA World Cup, while being reinvested in the development of Spanish football, including strengthening the federation’s infrastructure and supporting local programs throughout the country.But for Ruiz and Gavi, the return home showed that not every reward is measured in prize money. Along with their World Cup medals and substantial bonuses, they returned to the city where their footballing journeys began to receive distinctly local honors, measured in kilos of tomatoes rather than trophies.