Ben Brereton-Diaz, the Stoke‑on‑Trent native who now stars for Chile, still finds it hard to believe that he is regarded as a footballing icon on the other side of the Andes. The story began in 2021 when a group of online supporters spotted his Chilean eligibility on the popular game Football Manager and launched a campaign urging the national team to call him up. Their efforts paid off, and since that breakthrough he has earned 42 caps and found the net ten times for La Roja. "Every time I step onto the pitch in Chile I feel an incredible sense of joy," the Derby County forward explains.
"The passion from the fans is overwhelming, and the atmosphere is something I’ll never forget. When I first received the call‑up, it was a surreal moment – the love and support I experienced were beyond anything I imagined. Scoring goals and getting regular minutes has only added to that feeling." He adds that representing Chile has also allowed him to honor his family's multicultural background. "My family lives both in Chile and in England, and being able to make them proud on both sides of the world means a lot to me.
Deciding to play for Chile was one of the best choices I’ve ever made; the experiences, the lessons and the connections I’ve built there are priceless. I look forward to many more call‑ups and hope to help the team grow." Unfortunately, Chile missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment Brereton‑Diaz says has only intensified the squad’s resolve.
"We were devastated not to qualify, but that frustration fuels our ambition. There’s a wave of young talent emerging, and we’re laying a solid foundation for the future. The outlook is promising, and I’m confident we’ll be back on the world stage soon." In the English Championship, Portsmouth have endured a difficult campaign, yet for 22‑year‑old Terry Devlin the season has marked a personal breakthrough.
The Northern Irish right‑back, who can also operate as a wing‑back, has become a key figure for the Pompey side. "The team has had its ups and downs, but on an individual level I’ve really enjoyed the challenge. This is my first season playing regular minutes, and that consistency has been hugely positive.
I hope to finish the campaign strongly and help the club climb the table," Devlin says. He credits his progress to a disciplined routine and a professional mindset. "It boils down to consistency. Day after day I’ve been doing the same work I did last year and the year before.
Over time that steadiness translates into better performances. Being a good professional means giving 100 % in training, learning from senior teammates and constantly refining my game. If I keep this approach, I’ll continue to improve and reach the level I aspire to." Across the globe, a surprising loan move captured attention during the 2024 summer window.
After a spell at Watford, Jamal Lewis left Newcastle for a brief stint with São Paulo in Brazil. "The transfer happened late in the window, but it felt like an exciting chance to experience Brazilian football, which is renowned worldwide. I wanted to test myself in a new market, soak up a different culture, and see how the league operates," Lewis recalls. His Brazilian adventure was cut short after just two months when an injury sustained on international duty forced his return to Newcastle, having made only six appearances.
"I didn’t get to explore Brazil as much as I hoped. São Paulo is massive – you can drive an hour and still be in essentially the same city. The biggest regret is not speaking Portuguese, which limited my ability to connect with teammates and locals.
Still, the experience was refreshing, and I’d love to visit again someday." Meanwhile, at Watford, 26‑year‑old Imran Louza has taken on the captain’s armband, succeeding Moussa Sissoko after his departure to Panathinaikos. "Becoming captain takes time. In France I would have communicated more easily, but after five years in England I focus on supporting my teammates. Respect is mutual, and that’s the foundation of my leadership," Louza explains.
He prefers to lead by example on the pitch rather than through speeches in the dressing room, though he admits the vocal side of captaincy is a skill he’s developing. "I always give my all – heart, passion, relentless runs. Sometimes I need to raise my voice to motivate the squad; you can’t be nice all the time. I’m competitive and want to win every match, and that drive helps me inspire the team." The Championship also boasts a rare World Cup winner in its ranks: Steven Nzonzi, who still smiles when he recalls the pinnacle of his career – the 2018 final in Moscow.
Entering as a substitute in the 55th minute, he replaced none other than N'Golo Kanté with France leading 2‑1 against Croatia. "It was immense pressure.
Coming on for arguably the best player of the tournament, you have to stay focused and block everything else out. When we scored two more goals shortly after, I felt a huge relief and gave everything I could," Nzonzi reflects. He vividly remembers the moment France extended the lead to 4‑1 through Kylian Mbappé, a point when the reality of becoming world champions sank in.
"We looked at each other and knew the trophy was ours. Even after the second goal, it didn’t matter – we were certain of victory. That instant cemented our status as champions," he says.
The post‑match celebrations were a blur of emotions, flags, and the iconic trophy. "We went straight to meet the fans, waved the French flag, and I rushed home to see my son. I’m not sure if I held the World Cup before or after that, everything happened so fast.
The memories – the photo with the cup, the medal – are moments I’ll cherish forever," Nzonzi adds. These stories illustrate the diverse journeys of players across the Championship, from international breakthroughs and personal milestones to unforgettable moments on football’s grandest stage. Each narrative underscores the blend of ambition, resilience and cultural exchange that defines modern football, reminding fans that behind every match there are compelling personal tales worth celebrating.