MANILA, Philippines — Philippine volleyball comes full circle when Brazil’s volleyball legend Leila Barros graces the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Finals on September 27 and 28 at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation and World Championship Local Organizing Committee (LOC) announced that Barros will be the guest of honor in the finals, which marks her return to Manila after 25 years.

“She’s the icon who once captured the hearts of Filipino fans and now, she’s returning for the biggest volleyball event in our nation’s history,” read the post.

READ: Philippines kicks off historic FIVB Men’s Worlds hosting

It’s a fitting end to the country’s historic hosting of the 32-nation World Championship, as Barros was one of the early influences in Philippine Volleyball when she played in the  2000 FIVB World Grand Prix in Manila.

More than her skills, her charisma and unforgettable smile melted the hearts of the Filipino volleyball fans, who treated her as an icon for World Volleyball for the longest time.

Barros, an Olympic bronze medalist in 1996 and 2000, is now a senator in Brazil.

The K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Karencitta will also perform on opening day after the Alas-Tunisia match. 

Tickets are now available via the official website https://www.philippineswch2025.com/.