Ben Brereton-Diaz, the forward who grew up in Stoke-on-Trent, often finds himself needing a moment of disbelief to remind himself that he is now a celebrated figure in a South American nation. The journey began in 2021 when a group of dedicated fans launched an online campaign to secure his inclusion in the Chilean squad after spotting his Chilean eligibility on the Football Manager database. Since that grassroots push, Brereton-Diaz has earned 42 caps for La Roja and found the net ten times, cementing his status as a key contributor.
"Every time I step onto the pitch for Chile, it feels like pure joy," the Derby County attacker explained. "The reception from the fans is incredible. The first call-up was a whirlwind, and the outpouring of love from supporters was overwhelming. Scoring goals and getting regular minutes has been a dream, and it means the world to me to make my family proud – both those back in Chile and those here in England." He added that the decision to represent Chile has enriched his life in ways he never imagined.
"Choosing Chile was one of the best choices I've made. The experiences, the lessons, the culture – they've all shaped me. Each call‑up feels like a privilege, and I hope there are many more to come," he said. Unfortunately, Chile have missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment Brereton-Diaz feels keenly.
Yet he remains optimistic about the future, believing the team is laying a solid foundation for a return to the global stage. "Missing out on the tournament was heartbreaking, but it fuels our determination. We have a wave of young talent emerging, and the project we’re building looks promising for the years ahead," he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth have endured a difficult campaign at the lower end of the Championship table, but for 22‑year‑old Terry Devlin, the season has been a personal breakthrough. The Northern Irish midfielder has become a mainstay for the Pompey side, operating either as a right‑back or a more advanced right wing‑back. "There have been ups and downs for the club, but on an individual level I've really enjoyed my time here," Devlin said.
"This is my first season playing regular minutes, and that consistency has been a huge positive. I’m aiming to finish the season strongly and help the team climb the table." Devlin credits his progress to relentless hard work and a professional mindset.
"It boils down to consistency," he explained. "Day in, day out, I’ve been putting in the same effort as I did last year and the year before. Over time that consistency translates into better performances. Being a good professional means giving 100 % every day." He stressed the importance of learning from senior teammates and continually refining his skill set.
"I need to stay consistent, keep doing what works, and absorb the knowledge of the experienced players around me. That will help me grow and reach the level I aspire to," he added. Across the continent, a surprising move unfolded during the 2024 summer transfer window. After a loan spell at Watford the previous season, Jamal Lewis made an unexpected switch from Newcastle United to Brazilian side São Paulo.
"It was a bit late in the window when the deal materialised," Lewis, now on loan at Preston North End, recalled. "The opportunity sounded exciting. Everyone knows how prestigious Brazilian football is worldwide, and I wanted to test myself in a different market and experience a new culture." Lewis described his short stint in Brazil as eye‑opening, even though it was cut short by injury. After just six appearances, an international call‑up saw him sustain a setback that forced a return to Newcastle.
"I didn’t get to explore Brazil as much as I hoped. São Paulo is massive – you can drive for an hour and still be in the same metropolitan area," he laughed.
"The only regret is not speaking Portuguese, which limited my ability to connect fully with teammates and fans. I’d love to visit again someday." At Watford, 26‑year‑old Imran Louza has taken on the captain’s armband, stepping into the role permanently after Moussa Sissoko’s departure to Panathinaikos in February. "Becoming captain takes time," Louza admitted.
"If I were still in France, communication would be easier, but after five years in England I try to support the lads in any way I can. Respect is mutual, and that’s the foundation of my leadership." He prefers to lead by example on the pitch rather than through endless speeches in the dressing room, though he acknowledges the need to be vocal at times. "I give everything on the field – my heart, my runs, my passion.
Sometimes I have to raise my voice to motivate the team. You can’t be nice all the time; you need to be competitive and demand excellence. That drive helps us push for victories," he explained.
The Championship also boasts a rare presence of a World Cup winner: Steven Nzonzi, who still smiles when he recalls his most iconic moment in 2018. In the 55th minute of the World Cup final at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, Nzonzi entered the match with France leading 2‑1 against Croatia, replacing none other than N'Golo Kanté. "The pressure was immense," he reflected.
"Coming on for arguably the best player of the tournament was daunting, but you have to block out the noise and focus." Nzonzi’s introduction coincided with a surge of goals that sealed France’s triumph. "We were up 2‑1, then we added a couple more within ten minutes. I felt a huge sense of relief and just gave my best. When Kylian Mbappé scored the fourth, I truly believed we were champions," he recalled.
"The moment we scored the second goal, it didn’t matter – we knew the game was ours." He admits the celebrations that followed were a blur, but the memory of holding the Jules Rimet trophy remains vivid. "After the final whistle we went to meet the fans, waved the French flag, and I rushed home to show my son. Whether I touched the trophy before or after, the experience was overwhelming. The image of the cup in my hands and the medal around my neck are memories that will stay with me forever," Nzonzi said.
These stories – from Brereton-Diaz’s South American adventure, Devlin’s rise at Portsmouth, Lewis’s Brazilian detour, Louza’s captaincy, to Nzonzi’s World Cup glory – illustrate the diverse pathways and personal triumphs that shape life in the English Championship today. Upcoming fixtures: Tuesday 21 – all matches kick off at 7:45 pm Wednesday 22 – all matches kick off at 7:45 pm unless otherwise noted Fans can also take part in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000 – entry is free.