Two decades may have passed since her last visit, but Brazilian volleyball icon Leila Barros proved once again that she still holds a special place in the hearts of Filipino fans.
The former volleyball star, who became a household name in the late 1990s and early 2000s, returned to Manila as a special guest at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship finals held at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 27.
Barros, now a senator in Brazil and the current President of the Sports Commission, was warmly welcomed by Filipino fans who fondly remember her as the “crush ng bayan” during her playing days. Her charisma, energy, and spectacular on-court performance during tournaments like the 2000 and 2004 FIVB World Grand Prix helped spark the country’s enduring love affair with women’s volleyball.
During the finals, which saw Team Italy prevail over Team Bulgaria for the championship, Barros took center stage with a major announcement: the Philippines will host the 2029 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship.
The crowd erupted in cheers, excited at the prospect of witnessing another world-class volleyball spectacle—this time featuring women’s teams from across the globe. With the sport now enjoying unprecedented popularity in the country thanks to the UAAP, PVL, and the rise of local volleyball idols, Barros’ announcement was met with immense anticipation.
Barros admitted she was touched by the reception she received from Filipino fans after so many years.
“The memory that stands out the most is the natural empathy I felt as soon as I entered the stadium with Filipino people,” she shared, recalling the same warmth she felt during her first visits.
She also expressed her amazement at still receiving so much love online.
“I’m very surprised that it’s been years and still, on social media, I am getting a lot of love from Asian and Filipino fans,” she said with a smile.
True to her legacy, Leila was once again the most photographed guest at the finals, with fans—both young and old—lining up for autographs and selfies.
Since retiring from professional volleyball, Barros has built a remarkable career in public service. She made history as the first athlete elected senator in Brazil, where she has championed women’s rights, environmental protection, and the development of sports programs.
“In seven years, I have worked for the environment, for women, and now I’m a senator for the federal government and the president of the commission of sports,” she noted, reflecting on how her athletic discipline shaped her political journey.
Her presence at the FIVB finals was both nostalgic and forward-looking. The announcement that the Philippines will host the 2029 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship cements the country’s growing reputation as a global hub for volleyball.
For fans who first fell in love with the sport during Leila’s heyday, the news felt like a full-circle moment—proof that the passion she helped ignite decades ago continues to burn brighter than ever.
As Barros returned to Brazil, she left a simple message for Filipino fans: “Enjoy the best volleyball, and may the best team win.” (with reports from Loyd Pino)
