Filipino fans surround Brazilian volleyball player Leila Barros (C) looking for an autograph after her team beat South Korea on the third day of Women's World Volleyball Grand Prix tournament in Manila, 18 July 2004. Brazil won 25-22, 25-15, 25-19 with Barros receiving the special title as most popular player. Joel Nito, AFP/File
MANILA — Brazilian volleyball superstar Leila Barros is thrilled as she marks her return to the Philippines more than two decades since she captivated the hearts of her Pinoy fans.
Barros, the first female senator of Brazil and an incumbent since 2018, will be gracing the Finals of the upcoming Philippine-hosted FIVB Men's World Championship 2025.
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She will be at the Semifinals and Finals matches on September 27 to 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“What a joy it will be to reconnect with these passionate volleyball fans,” Barros said. “See you soon!”
“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I receive this very special invitation. Returning to the Philippines, where I have always been welcomed with such warmth, is incredibly exciting,” added Barros, who was part of the bronze medal-winning Brazilian team in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics.
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Barros made waves in the Philippines during the 2000 FIVB Grand Prix, and has since earned the hearts of Filipinos.
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Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon Suzara also expressed excited in Barros' return to the country.
“She captured the hearts of many Filipinos during her 2000 visit. Now, Leila Barros returns not only to wow the fans but also to inspire them as a distinguished public role model. She is now an elected public official in Brazil,” Suzara said.
For more information on tickets in the FIVB Men's World Championship, visit https://www.philippineswch2025.com/about/tickets.