TWO of Spain’s World Cup heroes have been honoured by their Andalucian hometown with stadiums named after them – and their own weight in tomatoes.
Fabian Ruiz and Gavi returned on Wednesday to Los Palacios y Villafranca, in Sevilla province, after helping La Roja lift their second World Cup title during a historic 45-day tournament.
Thousands of residents lined the streets to welcome the pair home, cheering as the footballers were escorted into the town hall with their gold medals draped around their necks.
Mayor Juan Manuel Valle then announced that the town’s Marismas and San Sebastian stadiums had officially been renamed in honour of the two stars: the Fabian Ruiz Stadium and the Pablo Paez Gavira ‘Gavi’ Stadium.
Ruiz, 30, began his football career at Los Palacios CF, while Gavi, 21, joined La Liara Balompie at the age of six.
The two amateur clubs, which compete in Andalucia’s regional leagues, play their home matches at the Marismas and San Sebastian stadiums, respectively.
In a quirky finale to the celebrations, Ruiz was presented with 85 kilograms of Bombon Colorao tomatoes – a prized local variety – while Gavi received 68.5 kilograms.
Rewarding distinguished locals with their weight in tomatoes is a long-standing tradition in the town, according to the local council.
Former Sevilla star Jesus Navas, another native of Los Palacios, was honoured in a similar ceremony in 2010 after helping Spain win its first World Cup in South Africa.
The 40-year-old joined Ruiz and Gavi during Wednesday’s celebrations, with crowds cheering as the three world champions posed for photographs from the balcony of the town hall.
The trio will now be immortalised in a monument to be installed on Juan Jose Vaquero Avenue, the local council has announced.
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