Ben Brereton-Diaz, the forward who grew up in Stoke-on-Trent, often finds himself pausing to confirm that he is, in fact, a celebrated figure in a South American country. The story began in 2021 when a group of dedicated supporters launched a social media push to secure his inclusion in the Chilean national squad after discovering his eligibility on Football Manager. Since that campaign, the Derby County striker has amassed 42 caps and netted ten goals for La Roja. "Every time I step onto the pitch for Chile, it feels special," Brereton-Diaz says.
"The fans there give you a level of support that is truly incredible." He recalls the excitement of his first call‑up, describing the experience as "a crazy time" and emphasizing how the affection from the Chilean crowd made his debut unforgettable. Scoring goals and earning regular minutes have only deepened his connection to the nation.
"I’m proud to represent both my family in Chile and my roots in England. It’s a wonderful feeling," he adds.
Reflecting on his decision to switch allegiances, the player notes that the journey has been enriching: "I’ve learned a lot, and each call‑up feels like a gift. I hope there are many more to come." Unfortunately, Chile missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment Brereton-Diaz acknowledges.
Yet he remains optimistic about the team’s future, pointing to a wave of young talent emerging from the ranks. "We didn’t qualify this time, and that hurts, but it also fuels our ambition. The squad is rebuilding, and the prospects look promising," he says.
Meanwhile, in the English Championship, Portsmouth have endured a difficult season, languishing near the bottom of the table. Despite the club’s struggles, 22‑year‑old Northern Irish winger Terry Devlin has enjoyed a breakthrough year. Deployed as a right‑back or right wing‑back, Devlin has become a key figure for the Pompey side. "There have been highs and lows for the team, but personally I’ve loved the experience," Devlin explains.
"This is my first full season playing regularly, and that consistency has been a massive boost. I’m aiming to finish the campaign strongly." He admits he would prefer the team to be in a more comfortable league position, but emphasizes the value of earning his place week after week. Devlin attributes his progress to disciplined habits and a professional mindset. "It boils down to consistency," he says.
"Day in, day out I’ve been doing the same work I did last season, and over time that shows in my performances. Being a good professional means giving 100 % every day." Looking ahead, he plans to keep learning from senior teammates and to refine specific aspects of his game, hoping this steady approach will help him reach his long‑term goals.
Across the Atlantic, Jamal Lewis made a surprising move during the 2024 summer window. After a loan spell at Watford the previous season, the English midfielder secured a short‑term deal that took him from Newcastle United to São Paulo in Brazil. "It was a bit late in the transfer window, but the opportunity sounded exciting," Lewis recalls.
"Everyone knows how prestigious Brazilian football is, and I saw it as a chance to showcase my abilities in a new market and experience a different culture." Lewis’s Brazilian adventure was abruptly cut short when an injury sustained on international duty forced him to return to Newcastle after just six appearances. "I didn’t get to explore Brazil as much as I hoped," he laments. "São Paulo is massive; you can drive for an hour and still be in a similar area.
It was a breath of fresh air, but I regret not speaking Portuguese, which would have helped me connect more deeply with teammates and fans. I definitely want to visit again someday." Back in England, 26‑year‑old Imran Louza has taken on the captain’s armband at Watford, stepping into the role permanently after Moussa Sissoko’s departure to Panathinaikos in February. Louza, originally from France, says the position has required patience and adaptation.
"Being a captain takes time," he admits. "If I were still in France it would be easier to communicate, but after five years in England I focus on supporting the squad. Respect is mutual, and that’s the foundation of my leadership." He prefers to lead by example on the pitch, letting his work rate and passion speak louder than words. Still, he acknowledges that vocal leadership is part of the job.
"I give everything on the field—my heart, my runs, my intensity. Sometimes I need to shout to motivate the team; you can’t be nice all the time.
I’m competitive and want to win every match, and that drives me." The Championship also hosts a rare sight: a World Cup winner playing in the second tier of English football. Steven Nzonzi, who lifted the trophy with France in 2018, still smiles when he remembers his defining moment in the final at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.
Entering the game in the 55th minute with France leading 2‑1 against Croatia, Nzonzi replaced none other than N'Golo Kanté, the tournament’s standout player. "The pressure was massive," he says. "Coming on for the best player in the competition, you have to block out everything else and focus." France went on to score two more goals, sealing a 4‑2 victory.
Nzonzi recalls the instant when Kylian Mbappé’s fourth goal arrived, confirming the win. "At 4‑1 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 realized we were champions." The aftermath was a blur of celebrations, flag‑waving fans, and the iconic moment of holding the Jules Rimet trophy.
"I don’t remember exactly when I first touched the cup, everything was happening so fast," Nzonzi reflects. "But the images of the trophy in my hands and the medal will stay with me forever." These stories—ranging from a Chilean star finding his place, a young Irish defender’s steady rise, a daring Brazilian stint, a new Watford captain’s philosophy, to a World Cup winner’s humble return—illustrate the diverse narratives that enrich the English Championship and remind fans why the league remains a fertile ground for talent, ambition, and unforgettable moments.