Ben Brereton Diaz, the former Stoke‑on‑Trent youngster who now stars for Derby County, often finds himself pausing to believe that he truly is a football hero in a South American nation. The story began in 2021 when a group of online supporters, after spotting his Chilean eligibility on the Football Manager database, launched a social‑media campaign urging the Chilean federation to call him up.
Their effort paid off, and since that first invitation Brereton Diaz has earned 42 caps and found the net ten times for La Roja. "Every time I step onto the pitch for Chile, I feel an incredible joy," the forward explained. "The atmosphere, the fans, the whole experience is simply amazing.
When I first received the call‑up it was a surreal moment – the outpouring of love from the supporters was overwhelming. Scoring goals and playing regularly has only added to that feeling.
I’m proud to make my family, who live between Chile and England, feel proud as well. Deciding to represent Chile has been one of the best choices of my life; the experiences, the learning, and the connections I’ve made are priceless. I hope to keep getting called up and to add more chapters to this journey." Unfortunately, Chile have missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment Brereton Diaz acknowledges but uses as motivation. "We didn’t qualify this time and it hurt, but it only fuels our desire to improve.
There’s a wealth of young talent emerging, and we’re building a squad that can return to the biggest stage in the future." Across the English Championship, Portsmouth have endured a tough campaign, languishing near the bottom of the table. Yet for 22‑year‑old Terry Devlin, the season has been a personal breakthrough.
The Northern Irish right‑back, who can also operate as a wing‑back, says the ups and downs of the team have not dampened his own enjoyment. "It’s my first full season of regular minutes, and that consistency has been huge for my development. I’d love to see the club climb higher in the standings, but on a personal level I’m happy to have cemented my place and to be contributing week in, week out." Devlin attributes his progress to a disciplined routine and a professional mindset.
"Consistency is key. Day after day I do the same work I did last season, and over time that shows up in performances. Being a good professional means giving 100 % in training, learning from senior teammates, and constantly refining my game.
If I keep that approach, I believe I’ll keep improving and eventually reach the level I’m aiming for." In a surprising twist during the 2024 summer transfer window, Jamal Lewis made a rare move from Newcastle United to Brazil’s São Paulo FC, after a loan spell at Watford the previous season. Lewis, now on loan at Preston North End, recalls the timing as “a bit late in the window,” but he was eager to test himself in a new market. "Brazilian football has a massive global reputation, and I saw it as a chance to showcase my abilities in a different environment, experience a new culture, and meet new people," he said. His Brazilian adventure was cut short when an injury sustained on international duty forced him back to England after just six appearances.
"I didn’t get to explore Brazil as much as I wanted – even São Paulo is a sprawling metropolis where you can drive an hour and still be in the same city. The experience was refreshing, but I regret not speaking Portuguese, which would have helped me connect more deeply with teammates and fans.
I hope to return someday and get a fuller taste of the country." Meanwhile, at Watford, 26‑year‑old Imran Louza has taken on the captain’s armband after Moussa Sissoko’s departure to Panathinaikos in February. Louza, who has been with the club for five years, says leadership is something that develops over time.
"If I were still in France, communication would be easier, but after half a decade here I’ve learned to lead by example and earn the respect of my teammates. Respect is mutual, and that’s the foundation of my captaincy." He admits that his primary tool is his on‑field example rather than vocal instruction, though he is learning to balance both.
"I pour my heart, passion, and effort into every match. Sometimes I need to raise my voice to motivate the group – you can’t be gentle all the time. I’m competitive, I want to win every game, and that intensity helps drive the squad forward." The Championship also boasts a rare presence of a World Cup winner: Steven Nzonzi, who recalls his most iconic moment from the 2018 final in Moscow. Entering the match in the 55th minute with France leading 2‑1 against Croatia, he replaced none other than N'Golo Kanté.
"The pressure was immense – you’re coming on for arguably the best player of the tournament. You have to block out everything else and focus.
When I came on, we scored two more goals in quick succession, and that gave me a huge sense of relief." Nzonzi remembers the decisive fourth goal by Kylian Mbappé as the point when the reality of becoming world champions truly sank in. "At 4‑1, I looked around at my teammates and thought, ‘This is it.’ Even after the second goal, the outcome was clear – we were going to lift the trophy." The aftermath was a blur of celebrations, flag‑waving fans, and a quick trip home to see his son.
"I’m not sure if I held the Jules Rimet trophy before or after that, everything happened so fast. The images of the trophy in my hands, the medal around my neck, are memories that will stay with me forever." These stories – from Brereton Diaz’s Chilean adventure, Devlin’s rise at Portsmouth, Lewis’s Brazilian stint, Louza’s captaincy at Watford, to Nzonzi’s World Cup glory – illustrate the diverse pathways and personal triumphs that shape life in the English Championship. Each player brings a unique narrative that enriches the league’s tapestry, offering fans a blend of international flair, youthful ambition, and seasoned experience. The season continues, with matches slated for Tuesday 21 at 7:45 pm and Wednesday 22 at the same time, and a Super 6 competition promising a £250,000 prize for the lucky winner.