Brazilian volleyball icon and Senator Leila Barros graces PH volleyball finals

Brazilian volleyball icon and Senator Leila Barros is in the Philippines as the guest of honor for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship finals.

The two-time Olympic medalist, who turns 54 this month, expressed gratitude for the warm reception from Filipino fans, recalling her popularity from two decades ago.

Barros fondly remembers the "natural empathy" she felt from Filipinos and recalled signs from fans during her previous visits, including some humorously suggesting she run for president or proposing marriage.

She is attending the tournament's semifinal and final matches, marking her first return to the Philippines since playing in the Manila leg of the 2004 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix.

Barros noted the growth of Philippine volleyball in the more than twenty years since her last visit.

Filipino fans, some meeting her again after 21 years, expressed their joy and "childhood dreams" fulfillment in meeting their volleyball queen, with one fan recalling how Barros' "grit and determination to win" and "passion while playing" made her "really enjoyable to watch."