Brazilian icon Leila Barros, one of the central figures in the rise of Philippine volleyball, is set for a homecoming in Manila as she arrives on Thursday, September 25, for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
Barros, who first visited the country in 2000 for the FIVB World Grand Prix, will serve as the guest of honor during the tournament’s semifinals and finals over the weekend.
Now 53, Barros was among the fan favorites at the turn of the millennium, helping spark the rise of Philippine volleyball as many Filipinos were inspired to take up the sport because of her skill and charisma.
On Friday, September 26, Barros will hold a press conference and a Meet and Greet with Philippine media and fans to reconnect with the local volleyball community.
Currently a senator in Brazil, Barros boasts an impressive career that includes two Olympic bronze medals in the 1996 and 2000 Summer Games, as well as four gold medal victories in the FIVB World Grand Prix.
Brazil also won bronze in the Manila leg of the Grand Prix in 2000.
Barros played as an opposite spiker for the Brazilian national team.
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