Brazilian volleyball icon Leila Barros is ready to reconnect with Filipino fans as she returns to the Philippines for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship this September.
Barros confirmed that she will be present for the tournament’s final two playdates on September 27 and 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, expressing her excitement about rekindling her bond with the passionate Filipino volleyball community.
“What a joy it will be to reconnect with these passionate volleyball fans. See you soon!
“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I receive this very special invitation. Returning to the Philippines, where I have always been welcomed with such warmth, is incredibly exciting,” added Barros, now 53 and serving as a senator in Brazil. “Being present at the finals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball World Championship will be a great honor.”
The tournament runs from September 12 to 28 across two venues — the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena — with tickets available via philippineswch2025.com.
Leila Barros was a big star here in the Philippines when the country hosted an FIVB tournament (FIVB Images)
For AVC and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, Barros’ homecoming is nothing short of a gift to Filipino volleyball fans.
“She captured the hearts of many Filipinos during her 2000 visit. Now, Leila Barros returns not only to wow the fans, but also to inspire them as a distinguished public role model. She is now an elected public official in Brazil,” Suzara said.
“Every Filipino can’t wait to see her. Everyone is excited.”
Barros first became a household name among Filipino fans during the 2000 FIVB Grand Prix, where her skill, charisma, and energy inspired a new generation of volleyball players in the country.
While her name is forever etched in volleyball history, Barros has also carved out a remarkable career in public service. Today, she chairs the Sports Committee in the Brazilian Senate and has previously presided over the Environment Committee, led the Women’s Caucus, and served as Deputy Floor Leader for the Government.
Her work in the Senate focuses on three main areas: protecting women — particularly through legislation against domestic violence — advancing sports development, and championing environmental sustainability.
Among her legislative achievements are five landmark laws: the Anti-Stalking Law, the regulation of the carbon market, the General Sports Law, the conversion of the Sports Incentive Law into permanent policy, and the allocation of National Public Security Fund resources to combat violence against women.
