PNVF Photo
MANILA — Volleyball legend Leila Barros is back in Manila.
Former Brazilian women's national team standout and now Senator Barros has arrived in the country on Friday to grace the final matches of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship.
Barros has captured the hearts of Filipino fans back in the 2000 FIVB World Grand Prix, widely credited for shaping the volleyball landscape that we are in.
Her flight to Manila wasn't exactly smooth as her entourage was stranded for almost a day in Doha, Qatar, according to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), but she has arrived safely in Manila.
READ: Leila Barros excited to see Pinoy fans again: 'See you soon!'
Barros had a scheduled media meet and greet on Friday, but it was postponed due to the inclement weather.
Way ahead of her arrival, Barros expressed excitement to see her Filipino supporters once more.
“What a joy it will be to reconnect with these passionate volleyball fans,” Barros said. “See you soon!”
READ: Brazilian superstar Leila Barros to attend Finals of FIVB Worlds
“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.
Joining Barros are her former teammate on the national squad, Ricarda Lima, three-time Olympic gold medalist Mireya Luis of Cuba and her husband, Humberto Rodriguez, a former Cuban sports minister.
They were welcomed by Ramon Eusebio of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the FIVB Worlds.