1 of 3 | Midfielder Fabian Ruiz (R), shown with World Cup Final hero Ferran Torres, played for Spain for 366 minutes at the tournament. File Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPI | License Photo
Los Palacios y Villafranca honored hometown heroes Fabian Ruiz and Gavi with their weight in tomatoes for helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup.
The midfielders participated in a ceremony Tuesday at town hall in the Spanish province of Seville, which is known for tomato production. They stepped on scales and were presented with their weight — in kilograms — of the fruit.
Ruiz weighed in at about 187 pounds (85 kg.), while Gavi was about 151 pounds, or- 68.5 kg.
Ruiz, 30, played 366 minutes for the Spaniards at the World Cup. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder scored the first goal in a 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarterfinals.
Gavi, 21, logged 85 minutes at the tournament. The Barcelona midfielder also teamed up with Ruiz and the Spaniards to win a 2023 UEFA Nations League title.
Officials also announced the municipal grass soccer fields in the area will be renamed “Fabian Ruiz Football Field” and “Pablo Pez Gabira ‘Gavi’ Football Field.”
The city plans to construct a monument honoring Gavi, Ruiz and Jesus Navas, another local who won the 2010 World Cup with the Spaniards.
Gavi and Ruiz participated in a parade with their teammates Monday in Madrid. Spain also will receive $51 million and become the first World Cup team to receive championship rings for winning the title. Those rings will be customized and presented at a later date.
Spain defeats Argentina to win 2026 FIFA World Cup
Spain’s captain Rodri raises the trophy as he and his teammates celebrate after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup in East Rutherford, N.J.,, on June 19, 2026. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
