After receiving numerous invitations in the past, Brazilian volleyball icon Leila Barros finally returned to the Philippines, believing 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 (PNVF) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara to attend the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, saying the country’s hosting is a clear sign of how far volleyball has grown in the Philippines since she first played here.
“In fact, for years I’ve been receiving invitations to come to the Philippines,” said the 53-year-old volleyball player-turned-senator during a press conference at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday morning.
“Then the longing really hit. I thought it was the right time to come to the Philippines, because I believe this is the moment when Filipino volleyball is growing,” 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, before making a brief return in the Manila leg of the same tournament in 2004.
The two-time Olympic bronze medalist said it felt like she had never left, recalling the warmth she experienced on her first visit, when Filipino fans welcomed her with overwhelming support.
“The memory that stands out the most for me is the natural empathy I felt as soon as I entered the stadium and with 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 seems like they could see the future, since I eventually became a senator in Brazil,” Barros added.
Barros, who endured a five-day journey after her flight was delayed, said it was all worth it the moment she reconnected with the fans who had embraced her since the early 2000s. She will be attending the final two days of the FIVB World Championship before flying back home.
She expressed her utmost gratitude to Suzara and the rest of the PNVF for bringing her back to the Philippines and allowing her to be part of a historic moment for volleyball in the country.
“I’m also very surprised that it’s already been 21 years since I was last here, yet I still receive so much love from Asian and Filipino fans on social media,” said Barros.
“I carry such good memories with me. I always tell people: we can leave sports, but sports never really leaves us.”
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