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Showering with tomatoes after a performance is generally a bad thing. But in Spain, it’s the ultimate sign of respect for two players from the World Cup-winning team.
Fabián Ruiz and Gavi were presented with their weight in tomatoes by their hometown of Los Palacios y Villafranca, in the Andalusia region of southern Spain.
Both players joined former Spain great Jesus Navas (who was part of the 2010 World Cup squad) at the city’s town hall as part of the ongoing festivities to celebrate La Roja’s victory over Argentina in the final on Sunday.
Photo by Joaquín Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Andalusia is known for its agriculture and tomato production. Thus, Paris Saint-Germain’s Ruiz received 84 kilograms (185 pounds) of tomatoes, while Barcelona’s Gavi received 68 kilograms (150 pounds).
Additionally, both players received banners adorned with Tomatito, the mascot of the World Cup hosted by the country in 1982. Spain will resume co-hosting duties alongside Portugal and Morocco in 2030, which will also see the opening of matches in three South American countries (Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) as part of the centenary of the tournament.
This is the second major title (and therefore second tomato harvest) for Ruiz after winning the 2024 European Championship with Spain. This is the first honor of its kind for Gavi.
