After numerous invitations over the years, Brazilian volleyball icon Leila Barros finally returned to the Philippines, saying it was the perfect time to reconnect with the Filipino fans who embraced her more than two decades ago.
Barros accepted the invitation of Philippine National Volleyball Federation President Ramon “Tats” Suzara to grace the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, noting that the country’s hosting is a clear sign of how far volleyball has grown in the Philippines since she first played here.
“For years, I’ve been receiving invitations to come back to the Philippines,” said the 53-year-old volleyball star-turned-senator during a press conference at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday morning.
“Then the longing really hit me. I thought this was the right moment to return, because I truly believe Filipino volleyball is on the rise,” she added.
Barros first captured the hearts of Filipino fans with her skill and charisma during Brazil’s 2000 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix campaign, and later made a brief return in the Manila leg of the same tournament in 2004.
The two-time Olympic bronze medalist said it felt as if she had never left, recalling the warmth she experienced during her first visit when Filipino fans welcomed her with overwhelming support.
“The memory that stands out most for me is the natural empathy I felt as soon as I entered the stadium and connected with the Filipino people,” she said.
“It’s funny — when I was here, people were holding signs that said ‘Leila for President’ and ‘Leila, Marry Me.’ It’s as if they could see the future, because I eventually became a senator in Brazil,” Barros said with a laugh.
Despite enduring a five-day delay in her travels, Barros said it was all worth it the moment she reunited with fans who had cherished her since the early 2000s. She will be attending the final two days of the FIVB World Championship before returning home.
She expressed her deepest gratitude to Suzara and the PNVF for bringing her back to the Philippines and allowing her to witness another historic milestone for volleyball in the country.
“I’m amazed that it’s already been 21 years since I was last here, yet I continue to receive so much love from Filipino and Asian fans on social media,” said Barros.
“I carry such wonderful memories with me. I always tell people: we can leave sports, but sports never really leaves us.”
