Ben Brereton-Diaz, the Stoke-on-Trent native who now dazzles South America, often finds himself still in disbelief that he is regarded as a superstar half a world away. The story began in 2021 when a group of dedicated supporters launched an online campaign to persuade the Chilean federation to call him up after spotting his Chilean eligibility on a popular football simulation game.
Their efforts paid off, and since that initial call‑up Brereton-Diaz has earned 42 caps for La Roja and found the net ten times. "Every time I step onto the pitch for Chile, it feels like a celebration," the Derby County forward explained. "The fans there give us an incredible amount of love and energy.
The first call‑up was surreal – the reception was overwhelming, and scoring goals for the nation has been a dream come true. I’m proud to represent both my family in Chile and my roots in England. It’s a special feeling to bridge those two worlds." He added that the decision to represent Chile has enriched his life beyond football.
"The experiences I’ve had, the culture I’ve been exposed to, and the lessons I’ve learned have all been amazing. Each call‑up feels like a gift, and I hope there are many more in the future." Unfortunately, Chile have missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment Brereton-Diaz acknowledges but uses as motivation. "Missing out on the tournament was heartbreaking, but it fuels our determination.
We have a wave of young talent coming through, and we’re building a side that can return to the world stage. The future looks promising." Across the English Championship, Portsmouth have endured a difficult campaign, yet for 22‑year‑old Northern Irish right‑back Terry Devlin the season has been a personal breakthrough. Deployed as both a traditional right‑back and a more advanced wing‑back, Devlin has become a consistent presence in the Pompey lineup. "There have been highs and lows for the club, but on an individual level I’ve really enjoyed the challenge," Devlin said.
"This is my first season with regular minutes, and that consistency has helped me grow. I’d love to see the team climb the table, but I’m also proud of the mark I’ve put down by performing week in, week out." He attributes his progress to a disciplined routine and a professional mindset. "It boils down to consistency.
Day after day I repeat the same training habits I’ve cultivated over the past two years. Over time that steadiness translates into better performances. I keep learning from senior teammates and fine‑tuning my game, aiming to reach the level I know I’m capable of." Meanwhile, an unexpected move in the 2024 summer window saw Jamal Lewis, who had spent the previous season on loan at Watford, briefly join Brazilian side São Paulo after a short stint with Newcastle. "It was a late‑season deal, but the opportunity to experience Brazilian football was too enticing to pass up," Lewis recalled.
"Brazil’s reputation on the global stage is massive, and I wanted to test myself in a different environment, soak up the culture and meet new people." His Brazilian adventure was cut short when an injury sustained on international duty forced him back to England after just six appearances. "I didn’t get to explore much of Brazil beyond traveling to matches," he admitted. "São Paulo is a sprawling metropolis; even a short drive can keep you within the same urban landscape.
The only regret I have is not speaking Portuguese, which would have helped me connect more deeply with teammates and fans. I’d love to return someday and experience the country fully." In the Watford dressing room, 26‑year‑old Imran Louza has embraced the captain’s armband with confidence. After Moussa Sissoko’s departure to Panathinaikos in February, Louza was handed the leadership role and has worn the band for the majority of the campaign. "Being a captain takes time to settle into," Louza explained.
"If I were still 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. Respect is a two‑way street, and that’s the foundation of my approach." He prefers to influence the squad through his actions on the pitch rather than lengthy speeches, though he acknowledges the need to be vocal at times. "I always give my all – heart, passion, runs – every time I step onto the field.
Occasionally I have to raise my voice and give direction; a captain must be ready to shout when the situation demands it. I try to stay positive, push the team forward, and never shy away from competition." Finally, the Championship boasts a rare guest: 2018 World Cup winner Steven Nzonzi, who still beams when recalling his defining moment in the final against Croatia.
Entering the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow at the 55th minute with France leading 2‑1, he replaced none other than N'Golo Kanté, the tournament’s standout midfielder. "The pressure was immense," Nzonzi reflected. "Coming on for arguably the best player of the competition was a huge responsibility.
I had to block out everything else and focus on my role. When we scored two more goals in the next ten minutes, the relief was huge, and I just gave everything I could." He vividly remembers the fourth goal, netted by Kylian Mbappé, as the instant that confirmed their triumph. "When it became 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 realization – we were champions – is something you never forget." The post‑match euphoria was a blur. Nzonzi recounted the rush of meeting fans, waving French flags, and the surreal moment of holding the coveted trophy.
"I’m not sure if I touched the cup before or after seeing my son, everything happened so quickly. The images of the trophy in my hands, the medal around my neck – they’re memories that will stay with me forever." These stories illustrate the diverse pathways footballers travel, from representing a distant nation to adapting in foreign leagues, leading clubs, and cherishing the pinnacle of world football.
Each narrative underscores dedication, resilience, and the unique moments that define a player's career.