“Ever since I arrived here in the Philippines, everybody seems to be very grateful for her to come here after twenty-five years but she can say for sure that she is the happiest to be back here,” celebrated Brazilian Volleyball player and now senator, Leila Barros.

Twenty-five years ago, Leila competed in the 2000 FIVB Grand Prix, where Brazil ranked third. Leila is the guest of honour for the semifinals and finals of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship. That’s more than two decades later, but it seems Filipinos haven’t forgotten her impact on the Volleyball industry as she is welcomed warmly. Fans from twenty years ago are even present during her media conference to bring more nostalgia not just to her but also to the attendees of the event.

“My life has changed a lot. You know, I’m in politics. I’m a senator in Brazil. It’s been seven years of hard work, seven years of great work. I was the leader of the women’s caucus, chair of the environment committee and attorney for the federal senate. And now, I’m the chair for the sports committee, which is the area I work most in and that’s it,” Leila shares as part of her opening remarks during her media conference.

“I want to thank the international federation, the Philippine Volleyball Federation, the Philippine Senate and Senator Pia Cayetano. And thank you for your kindness. I’m very happy to be here. I want to enjoy it. It’s a shame, I only have two days with you. To the entire organization, I’m at your disposal. I want to make the most of it, I’m returning to Brazil tomorrow. And with you, I’ll enjoy some good Volleyball and may the best team win,” she continues.

Leila is enthusiastic about her two-day stay in the Philippines. Her energy exudes gratitude and openness in participating in her scheduled events here in Manila.

What’s Brazil’s secret for their Volleyball team to be where they are now? And what’s Leila’s message to the Filipino Volleyball players?

“First of all, the effort for women has changed a lot, like women’s access to sports. This is no different in the Philippines or in Brazil and it’s a big challenge for women. Whether for coaching, being an athlete, or for investing, what I can say is that we’re on a better path. I see that there are development policies and investment policies in place, allowing women to participate. And I’m the first female athlete to become a senator in Brazil. And through this opportunity, I was able to change some policies, whether it’s investment, the issue of parenting and also, the women’s rights to get pregnant. In my time, all female athletes have experienced late maturity due to sports. Today, I have the opportunity to change this legislation to guarantee athletes’ pockets and other policies that women have the right to experience.”

“So, my message is for them to stay strong. Women are truly taking a different stance, whether it’s in sports or other various areas. It’s an evolution, there’s no way back. And yes, women’s sports are evolving a lot.”

What made Leila enter politics after her career as a professional Volleyball player in Brazil?

“My entry into politics was very natural. When I stopped playing, I started working in the social sector. Sports in the social sector provide access to the most vulnerable. Much of my background is that I come from a very humble family. My father didn’t study much, and my mother didn’t either. And it was through sports that changed my life. That’s why I became a guiding light in my life. I knew that as soon as I finished my career in Volleyball, I would naturally be involved in social sports, providing access to opportunities, and providing sports to the youth in our country. Brazil has an enormous potential for the development of young people. And beyond producing great athletes, we know how much sport educates, how much sport teaches, how much sport creates good lives.”

When asked whether she’ll return to the Philippines again, Leila did not need to think twice or more to answer yes.

Watch our coverage of Leila Barros’ media conference in Manila below: