Rayssa Leal Shines in San Diego: Brazilian Skateboarding Star Wins SLS Championship Tour Stop
Rayssa Leal, the 16-year-old Brazilian skateboarding sensation, continues to dazzle the world with her unmatched style and fearless execution. On May 25, 2025, she claimed victory at the latest Street League Skateboarding (SLS) Championship Tour stop in San Diego, California, outperforming some of the biggest names in the sport.
With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games still fresh in everyone’s minds—where Leal took home a silver medal—this win solidifies her status as not just Brazil’s top female skater but one of the best in the world.
A Dominant Performance in San Diego
Held at the Waterfront Park Skate Arena, the SLS stop in San Diego featured elite competitors from across the globe. Leal was in top form throughout the event:
- Landed four consecutive tricks in her final runs
- Earned a total score of 27.3, placing her ahead of Japan’s Funa Nakayama and the USA’s Nyjah Huston
- Executed a flawless kickflip frontside boardslide and heelflip to crooked grind—the latter scoring the highest trick points of the day
Her balance of technicality, flow, and creativity wowed the judges and the crowd alike.
Rayssa said after the competition:
“I felt really free today. I just wanted to skate how I love to skate and share that with the crowd. Winning is the bonus.”
The Rise of a Brazilian Icon
Rayssa’s journey from a viral “fairy dress” video to an international sports superstar is well known. Now, she’s not just a social media phenomenon—she’s a force on the competitive circuit.
Since her Olympic silver in Tokyo 2021 at just 13 years old, she has:
- Signed global sponsorship deals with brands like Nike SB and Red Bull
- Featured in documentaries and sports specials worldwide
- Used her platform to inspire young girls to pursue skateboarding
Her charisma, humility, and natural talent have made her a household name in Brazil and a role model across the globe.
SLS Tour Rankings After San Diego
With this win, Rayssa now leads the 2025 SLS Women’s Rankings, placing her in prime position for the World Championship event later this year in Tokyo.
| Rank | Skater | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rayssa Leal (BRA) | 2400 |
| 2 | Funa Nakayama (JPN) | 2220 |
| 3 | Momiji Nishiya (JPN) | 2150 |
| 4 | Chloe Covell (AUS) | 2010 |
Her consistency, paired with increasing difficulty in her runs, makes her the favorite heading into the final two events of the season.
Brazilian Skateboarding’s New Golden Era
Leal is part of a wave of Brazilian skaters—including Kelvin Hoefler, Felipe Gustavo, and Gabriela Mazetto—who are dominating both street and park events globally.
The growth of skateboarding in Brazil has also been boosted by:
- New skateparks in São Paulo, Recife, and Porto Alegre
- Government funding for youth skateboarding programs
- A surge in female participation since the Tokyo Olympics
Brazilian sports fans, once solely focused on football, now fill arenas and tune in to international broadcasts to support their skateboarding stars.
A Preview of the Future
At just 16, Rayssa Leal’s career is only beginning. With:
- Consistent podium finishes
- An expanding global fanbase
- A personality that bridges generations
She is poised to become the face of women’s skateboarding for years to come.
As she prepares for the next SLS stop in Barcelona and sets her sights on Los Angeles 2028, one thing is clear: Rayssa is no longer just a prodigy—she is a champion with staying power.
Conclusion: More Than a Skater—A Movement
Rayssa Leal’s triumph in San Diego is more than a competition win—it’s a statement. It’s proof that Brazilian talent, when nurtured and supported, can change the landscape of a sport.
Whether on a podium, in a skatepark, or on a global stage, Rayssa continues to inspire. And the world is watching every push.