Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabián Ruiz and Barcelona’s Gavi have been presented with a unique reward for their roles in Spain’s recent World Cup victory: their weight in tomatoes. The gesture came from their hometowns of Los Palacios y Villafranca in Andalusia, a region famed for its tomato production.
A public weighing took place on Wednesday, with locals, officials, and supporters gathering to witness the event. Gavi, the younger of the two, received 68.5 kilograms of tomatoes, while Ruiz was gifted 85 kilograms. The presentation is intended as a lighthearted and regional tribute to the players’ achievement with the Spanish national team.
Ruiz has become a key figure for PSG since joining the club from Napoli in 2022, featuring regularly in midfield under Christophe Galtier and now Luis Enrique. He has 16 caps for Spain, and was part of the squad that won the Nations League in 2023. Gavi, meanwhile, is a rising star at Barcelona and has quickly established himself as a regular in the Spanish national team, earning 27 caps since his debut in 2021. He is known for his energetic style and tenacious tackling.
The unusual gift highlights the strong connection between the players and their roots in Andalusia. It also speaks to the celebratory atmosphere following Spain’s success in international football, and the creative ways in which communities are choosing to honour their heroes. The gesture is unlikely to impact either player’s club future, but serves as a memorable acknowledgement of their contribution to Spanish football.
