Ben Brereton-Diaz, the forward who grew up in Stoke-on-Trent, often finds himself pausing to acknowledge how surreal it feels to be celebrated as a star in a South American country. The story began in 2021 when a group of devoted fans, after spotting his Chilean eligibility on the Football Manager game, launched a social‑media push urging the Chilean federation to give him a chance. Their campaign paid off: Brereton-Diaz has since 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 Derby County attacker explains. "The support from the fans is phenomenal. The first call‑up was a whirlwind, and the love that poured in was overwhelming.
Scoring goals and getting regular minutes has been a dream come true. I’m proud to represent both my family in Chile and my roots in England – it’s a beautiful blend of cultures." He adds that the decision to switch allegiance has enriched his life beyond football. "The experiences I’ve had with the national team have been amazing.
I’ve learned a lot, and each call‑up feels like a gift. I hope there are many more opportunities ahead." Unfortunately, Chile missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment Brereton‑Diaz says only fuels his ambition. "We didn’t qualify this time and that hurt, but it motivates us to work harder.
There’s a wave of young talent coming through, and we’re building a squad that can return to the world stage," he says. In 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, has become a regular fixture in the Pompey lineup. "There have been ups and downs for the team, but on a personal level I’ve really enjoyed the consistency of playing week in, week out. It’s my first season with regular minutes and I’m aiming to finish strongly," Devlin remarks. He acknowledges that the club’s position is far from ideal.
"I’d love to see Portsmouth climb higher in the table, and I hope we can achieve that in the coming games. For now, I’m focused on delivering my best performance each match and cementing my place in the side." Devlin attributes his progress to a disciplined routine.
"It comes down to consistency. Day after day I’m doing the same work I did last season and the season before. Over time that consistency shows in your performances.
Being a professional means giving 100% every day," he explains. He also emphasizes learning from senior teammates and refining specific aspects of his game to reach his long‑term goals.
Across the Atlantic, a surprising move captured attention during the 2024 summer transfer window. After a loan spell at Watford, midfielder Jamal Lewis made an unexpected temporary switch from Newcastle United to São Paulo in Brazil. "It was a bit late in the window, but the opportunity sounded exciting. Everyone knows how prestigious Brazilian football is, and I saw it as a chance to showcase myself in a different market and experience a new culture," Lewis, now with Preston North End, recalls.
His Brazilian adventure was short‑lived. After just six appearances, an injury sustained on international duty forced him to return to Newcastle. "I didn’t get to explore much of Brazil beyond traveling to matches.
São Paulo is massive – you can drive for an hour and still be in the same urban sprawl. It was a breath of fresh air, but I regret not speaking Portuguese, which would have helped me connect more with teammates and fans. I definitely want to visit again later in life," he says.
Meanwhile, 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. "Being a captain takes time. In France it would have been easier to communicate, but after five years in England I try to support the squad in any way I can.
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 endless speeches, though he acknowledges that vocal encouragement is part of the job. "I always give my heart, my passion, and my runs on the field.
Sometimes I have to shout to motivate the lads – you can’t be nice all the time. I’m competitive and want to win every game, and that drives me to be a better leader." The Championship also hosts a rare pedigree: World Cup winner Steven Nzonzi, who recalls the pinnacle of his career in the 2018 final in Moscow.
Entering the Luzhniki Stadium in the 55th minute with France leading 2‑1 against Croatia, he replaced none other than N'Golo Kanté. "It was huge pressure.
Coming on for arguably the best player of the tournament, you have to lock in and block out everything else. I was lucky – we scored two more goals shortly after, and I just tried to give my best," Nzonzi reflects. He vividly remembers the moment France made it 4‑1 through Kylian Mbappé. "When the fourth goal went in, I looked around at my teammates and thought, ‘This is it.’ Even after the second goal, we knew the match was ours.
That’s when we truly realised we were champions," he says. The post‑match euphoria was overwhelming. "After the final whistle we went straight to the fans, waved the French flag, and I rushed to see my son.
I’m not sure if I held the trophy before or after that, everything was a blur. The image of the trophy in my hands, the medal around my neck – those are memories you carry for life," Nzonzi adds. These stories illustrate the diverse journeys of players across the Championship, from international breakthroughs and leadership roles to unexpected overseas ventures and the lingering glow of world‑cup glory.
Each narrative underscores the personal growth, cultural exchange, and relentless ambition that define modern football. 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.
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