Thousands of locals gathered on Tuesday to support the two footballers from Palacios, who returned home with the gold medal after defeating Argentina in the World Cup final.
The Plaza de Andalucía in Los Palacios and Villafranca became the epicentre of emotion and pride on Tuesday. Thousands of people, many arriving from different parts of the province and Andalusia, filled the area to pay tribute to Fabián Ruiz and Gavi, the two local footballers who have just been crowned world champions with the Spanish national team. Just two days after the victory against Argentina in the final, both returned to their village to share the title with those who watched them grow.
The atmosphere was extraordinary hours before their arrival. National team shirts, Spanish flags, and chants of “World Champions!” filled the square and its surroundings. Before the two honorees appeared, the crowd gave a warm ovation to Jesús Navas, the first footballer from Palacios to lift a World Cup in 2010. His presence symbolised the beginning of a story that, sixteen years later, adds two new golden chapters.
Minutes later, Fabián and Gavi appeared with gold medals around their necks, visibly emotional. They were welcomed by the mayor, Juan Manuel Valle, and the entire Municipal Corporation. Both entered the Town Hall, where they signed the Book of Honour, acknowledging the pride of returning to their village as world champions and thanking the affection received throughout the tournament.
One of the most anticipated moments was the traditional weighing of the athletes to present them with their weight in the most emblematic product of local agriculture: the Bombón Colorao tomato. The Association of Tomato Producers of Los Palacios, formed by the cooperatives Las Nieves, Parque Norte, and the company Frupal, along with the Town Hall, presented 85 kilos to Fabián Ruiz and 68.5 kilos to Gavi. This recognition has become a hallmark of the municipality to honour its great athletes.
The climactic moment came when both footballers stepped out onto the balcony of the Town Hall. The Plaza de Andalucía erupted in a thunderous ovation. Gavi was the first to speak, expressing the happiness he felt for sharing the title with his village, remembering that, although he left for Barcelona at a young age, Los Palacios and Villafranca has always been and will continue to be his home.
Then it was Fabián Ruiz's turn, who confessed that the image reminded him of when, as a child, he went to that same square to welcome Jesús Navas after the 2010 World Cup. Now it was he who occupied that balcony alongside Gavi. The midfielder thanked his neighbours for their unwavering support, expressed his deep pride in representing Los Palacios and Villafranca around the world, and sent a message of hope to the younger ones, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with effort, sacrifice, and perseverance.
During his speech, Mayor Juan Manuel Valle highlighted the historical significance of the achievements of the three world champions born in the municipality: Jesús Navas, Fabián Ruiz, and Gavi. All three have worn the Spanish national team jersey and have won international titles, including the World Cup, helping to place the name of Los Palacios and Villafranca in the elite of world football. Valle recalled that this is an exceptional case in football history: three players born in the same municipality, international with Spain and world champions. Additionally, all three have also shared the conquest of the Nations League.
The tribute will continue with the recognitions announced by the Town Hall. The municipal football fields will be renamed Campo de Fútbol Fabián Ruiz Peña and Campo de Fútbol Pablo Páez Gavira “Gavi”, while the Municipal Sports Pavilion will continue to bear the name of Jesús Navas. Furthermore, the Town Hall will promote the construction of a monument dedicated to the three champions from Palacios. In this way, the Town Hall aims to provide a permanent tribute to three athletes who represent the pride of an entire village and who, through their sporting and human journey, have become role models for several generations of children and young people.
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