Spain’s victory at the World Cup brought medals, global recognition and record prize money, but for Fabian Ruiz and Garvey, one of the most memorable rewards came hundreds of miles away at New York’s New Jersey Stadium.Just days after helping Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the two midfielders returned to their hometowns of Los Palacios and Villafranca, where they were welcomed in one of Spanish football’s most unusual traditions – receiving their own weight in tomatoes.The two were honored at official civic receptions upon their return to Los Palacios and Villafranca. Los Palacios and Villafranca are small towns with a population of just under 40,000 people located south of Seville that have become synonymous with Spain’s elite footballers.
A unique hometown celebration
PSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz and Barcelona star Garvey arrived wearing World Cup winners’ medals after playing key roles in Spain’s success in North America.Ruiz started the World Cup final against Argentina and Gavi produced another impressive international performance as Luis de la Fuente’s side won Spain’s second men’s World Cup title thanks to Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute winner in New Jersey.As part of the ceremony, the athletes performed a traditional weigh-in, where they received their weight among the most representative agricultural products of the region. The Los Palacios Tomato Producers Association organized a memorial service together with the city hall.Ruiz weighed 85kg and Garvey weighed 68.5kg, the weights given to both players in Bombón were accurate Colorado Tomatoes. The move has become a symbol of the city’s recognition of its most outstanding athletes.
This tradition dates back to Spain’s Golden Age
The ceremony was also attended by former Spain winger Jesús Navas, who became the first footballer from Los Palacios y Villafranca when Spain lifted the World Cup trophy in South Africa in 2010.Navas previously helped Spain win Euro 2024 alongside Ruiz and received the same tomato tribute.The town continues to expand its tributes to its football heroes.Local stadiums have already been named after Jesús Navas and Fabián Ruiz, while officials confirmed football stadiums will also be renamed in honor of Gavi, the Vaccines Alliance, following Spain’s latest success at the World Cup.exist a statementThe town council also revealed long-term plans to commemorate all three champions.“In addition, the City Hall will promote the construction of a monument to the memory of the three champions of Los Palacios.”The statement added: “In this way the council wishes to pay tribute to three athletes who represent the pride of the entire town and whose sporting and human trajectories have become role models for generations of children and young people.”
Spain’s victory also brought huge economic rewards
The celebrations came after Spain secured one of the most lucrative awards in international football.Ferran Torres’ overtime goal against Argentina not only helped Spain win its second World Cup title, it also earned FIFA, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), a $51 million winner’s bonus.According to AS reports, According to the bonus agreement negotiated between the team captain and the Spanish Football Association before the game, the Spanish players will each receive a large portion of this bonus.
Spain’s Rodri (16) lifts the trophy during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Rather than paying federations after each knockout round, FIFA pays out a lump sum based on a team’s final ranking.Just reaching the World Cup finals has guaranteed the Spanish team $34 million in bonuses. Under the agreement, 40 percent of that amount will be distributed among players, creating a bonus pool worth about $13.6 million, or just over $523,000 before taxes for each player on the 26-man roster.Winning the final further increased those numbers.Under the same agreement, players are entitled to 45% of FIFA’s winner’s bonus, creating a locker room bonus pool worth approximately $22.95 million.According to AS, this means each member of Spain’s 26-player squad is expected to earn around $882,700 (€760,000) before tax.The remainder of the prize money will remain with the Spanish Football Federation to help cover the federation’s World Cup costs, while also being reinvested in the development of Spanish football, including strengthening the federation’s infrastructure and supporting grassroots projects across the country.However, for Ruiz and GAVI, the return shows that not all rewards are measured in bonuses. In addition to World Cup medals and huge prize money, they returned to the small town where their football journey began with a unique kind of local honor, one measured in kilograms of tomatoes rather than trophies.
