Ben Brereton-Diaz, the forward who grew up in Stoke-on-Trent, often finds himself marveling at the fact that he is celebrated as a superstar on the opposite side of the world in Chile. His rise to international prominence began in 2021 when a group of dedicated supporters launched a social‑media campaign to push for his inclusion in the La Roja squad after spotting his Chilean eligibility on the popular game Football Manager.
Their efforts paid off, and since that breakthrough call‑up Brereton‑Diaz has earned 42 caps for Chile and found the net ten times. "Every time I step onto the pitch for Chile I feel pure joy," the Derby County attacker explains. "The reception from the fans there is incredible – it feels like a massive family gathering each match." He recalls the emotional surge he experienced when he first received the national team jersey, describing it as a "crazy" moment filled with overwhelming affection from supporters.
Scoring goals and playing regularly for the South American side has been a source of immense pride for him, especially as he thinks about his family split between Chile and England. "It means a lot to make them proud and to bridge the two cultures I belong to," he says. Brereton‑Diaz also reflects on the personal growth that comes from representing Chile.
"Choosing to play for them was one of the best decisions of my career. The experiences, the lessons, the camaraderie – they’ve all shaped me as a player and a person. I look forward to every call‑up and hope there are many more ahead," he adds.
Unfortunately, Chile have missed out on the last two World Cup finals, a disappointment that weighs heavily on the squad. Yet Brereton‑Diaz remains optimistic, believing that the team is laying a solid foundation for future success. "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 to come," he asserts.
In the English Championship, Portsmouth have endured a difficult campaign, languishing near the bottom of the table. Despite the club’s struggles, 22‑year‑old Northern Irish midfielder Terry Devlin has enjoyed a breakout season. Deployed primarily as a right‑back or right wing‑back, Devlin has become a key figure in the Pompey side. "The season has had its ups and downs, but personally I’ve loved the experience," he says.
"It’s my first full season playing week in, week out, and that consistency has been a huge positive for my development. I hope to finish the campaign strongly and help the team climb the table." Devlin attributes his rapid improvement to hard work and a professional mindset. "Consistency is everything," he notes.
"Day after day I’ve stuck to the same routines that have served me well in previous years. Over time those habits translate into better performances on the pitch.
Being a good professional means giving 100 % in training, in recovery and in every match." He emphasizes the importance of learning from senior teammates and continuously refining his skill set. "I’ll keep absorbing advice, polishing the parts of my game that need work, and staying consistent.
That’s the pathway to reaching the level I aspire to," he concludes. Across the Atlantic, English midfielder Jamal Lewis experienced one of the more unconventional moves of the 2024 summer transfer window.
After a loan spell at Watford, Lewis secured a temporary transfer from Newcastle United to Brazil’s São Paulo FC. "It happened quite late in the window, but the opportunity was too good to pass up," Lewis, now with Preston North End, reflects. "Brazilian football has a legendary reputation worldwide, and I wanted to test myself in that environment, soak up a new culture, and experience a different style of play." His Brazilian adventure, however, was abruptly cut short. Just two months after arriving, an injury sustained on international duty forced him to return to Newcastle after only six appearances.
"I didn’t get to explore Brazil as much as I’d hoped – even São Paulo is a massive metropolis where you can drive an hour and still be in the same urban sprawl," he laughs. "The biggest regret is not speaking Portuguese; it would have helped me connect more deeply with teammates and fans. I still hope to visit Brazil again later in life." Back in England, Watford have handed the captain’s armband to 26‑year‑old midfielder Imran Louza. Following the departure of Moussa Sissoko to Panathinaikos in February, Louza stepped into the leadership role and has worn the band for the majority of the season.
"Being a captain doesn’t happen overnight," he admits. "If I were still playing in France, communication would be easier, but after five years in England I’ve learned to lead by example and earn the respect of my teammates." Louza’s approach to captaincy is grounded in action rather than words. "I give everything on the pitch – my heart, my runs, my intensity – and I try to inspire the squad through that energy," he explains.
He also acknowledges the vocal side of the role, noting that sometimes a well‑timed shout can galvanise a struggling side. "You can’t be nice all the time. I’m competitive and I want to win every game, so I’ll speak up when the team needs a boost." Among the Championship’s more storied names is former France World Cup winner Steven Nzonzi, who still smiles when he recalls the pinnacle of his career in 2018. In the World Cup final at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, Nzonzi entered the match in the 55th minute with France leading 2‑1 against Croatia, replacing none other than N'Golo Kanté.
"It was massive pressure," he remembers. "Coming on for arguably the best player of the tournament, you have to block out everything else and focus on the task at hand." France went on to score two more goals, sealing a 4‑2 victory. Nzonzi says the fourth goal, scored by Kylian Mbappé, cemented his belief that the team had already secured the trophy.
"When the score hit 4‑1, I looked around at my teammates and thought, ‘This is it.’ Even after the second goal, we knew the match was ours. It was a surreal moment of realization that we were champions." The celebrations that followed were a blur of emotions, flags, and family reunions. "After the final whistle we rushed to the fans, waved French flags, and I ran to see my son.
I’m not sure if I held the World Cup trophy before or after that, everything happened so fast! The memories – the medal, the photo with the cup in my hands – are things I’ll cherish forever," Nzonzi reflects. These stories highlight the diverse journeys of players across the Championship, from international breakthroughs to personal milestones, and illustrate how football continues to connect cultures, inspire ambition, and create unforgettable moments for both athletes and fans alike.