Former Brazilian women's national volleyball team standout Leila Barros during her media meet and greet at the Mall of Asia Arena, September 27, 2025. PNVF
MANILA — Former Brazilian women's national volleyball team standout Leila Barros on Saturday emphasized the need for an investment in a "major" and long-term grassroots project that would secure the future of Philippine volleyball.
Barros underscored the need for a platform for young athletes, and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and the government should lead the way in establishing such a program.
"The support of the country and the federation, that's very important," said Barros during a media meet and greet at the sidelines of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
"And what's more important now is that Philippine volleyball makes an investment in a place for young athletes [grassroots]," she added. "There's no shortcut for results. This is a major, long-term project."
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Barros, who is in the country as a special guest of the 32-nation contest, is now a senator in her country and has been advocating for the growth of sports, women's rights, and environmental protection.
"In seven years, I have worked for the environment, for women, and now as a senator for the federal government. And now I am the president of the commission of sports," Barros shared.
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"As an athlete, I always used my image to defend women and the environment. And now, as a politician, I’m working in a broader way, with a more macro view for all of society, especially for the most vulnerable," she added.
The Brazilian legend once captured the hearts of Filipinos in the 2000 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix—and she felt that this was the "right time" to return, at such a moment when Philippine volleyball is "growing."
Adding to that acceptance of the invitation was the "longing" for the Filipino love—and the crowd darling remained adored by her ever-loyal fans.
"In fact, for years, I’ve been receiving invitations to come to the Philippines. 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 said. "Honestly, I am very happy just to be [here] with all of you."