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Being showered with tomatoes after a performance is usually a bad thing. But in Spain, it is a sign of utmost respect for two players from their World Cup-winning team.
Fabián Ruiz and Gavi were presented with their weight in tomatoes in their hometown of Los Palacios and Villafranca in the Andalusia region, located in southern Spain.
The two players joined former Spanish great Jesús Navas (part of the 2010 World Cup team) at the city’s town hall as part of the ongoing revelry to celebrate La Roja’s victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final.
Photo by Joaquín Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Andalusia is known for its agriculture and tomato production. Thus, Ruiz from Paris Saint-Germain received 84 kilograms (185 pounds) of tomatoes, while Gavi from Barcelona received 68 kilograms (150 pounds).
In addition, both players received banners adorned with Tomatito, the mascot of the World Cup that the country hosted in 1982. Spain will once again co-host with Portugal and Morocco in 2030, which will also see opening matches in three South American countries (Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) as part of the tournament’s centenary.
This is the second major title (and therefore second haul of tomatoes) for Ruiz after winning the 2024 European Championship with Spain. It is the first honor of its kind for Gavi.
