Ben Brereton-Diaz, the former Stoke‑on‑Trent youngster now plying his trade at Derby County, often finds himself needing a moment of disbelief to remind himself that he is celebrated as a star in a South American nation. The story began in 2021 when a group of dedicated supporters launched an online campaign to persuade the Chilean national team to call him up after spotting his Chilean eligibility on the Football Manager database. Their effort paid off, and since that breakthrough Brereton‑Diaz has earned 42 caps for La Roja and found the back of the net ten times.
"Every time I step onto the pitch for Chile, I feel an incredible joy," the forward explained. "The reception from the fans is extraordinary, and the atmosphere is something I will always cherish.
When I first received the call‑up, it was a surreal experience – the love and support from the country were overwhelming. Scoring goals and playing regularly has only added to that happiness. I’m proud to make my family proud, whether they’re in Chile or England.
It’s a wonderful feeling." He added that choosing to represent Chile has been one of the best decisions of his career, offering experiences that have enriched his personal and professional life. "Each call‑up feels like a gift, and I hope there are many more to come," he said.
Unfortunately, Chile have missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment Brereton‑Diaz acknowledges. Yet he remains optimistic about the future, noting that the team is in a rebuilding phase with a wealth of young talent emerging. "Missing out on the tournament was heartbreaking, but it fuels our determination. We have a promising generation coming through, and the outlook for the next cycle is very encouraging," he affirmed.
In the Championship, Portsmouth have endured a difficult campaign, languishing near the bottom of the table. Despite the club’s struggles, 22‑year‑old Northern Irish winger Terry Devlin has enjoyed a breakout season, cementing his place as one of Pompey’s most consistent performers. Deployed either as a right‑back or a right wing‑back, Devlin has relished the chance to play regular minutes at a senior level. "There have been highs and lows for the squad, but on a personal level I’ve loved the experience," Devlin said.
"It’s my first season where I’ve been trusted to start week in, week out, and that consistency has been huge for my development. I hope we can finish the season strongly and climb out of the relegation zone, but for me it’s about establishing my mark and contributing every game." He attributes his progress to a disciplined routine and a professional mindset. "It boils down to consistency," he explained. "Day after day I’ve been doing the same work I did last season – training hard, focusing on recovery, and studying the game.
Over time that steadiness translates into better performances. I keep learning from the senior players and tweaking parts of my game that need improvement. If I stay consistent, I believe I’ll continue to grow and reach the level I aspire to." Across the Atlantic, English midfielder Jamal Lewis experienced one of the most unconventional moves of the 2024 summer transfer window.
After a loan spell at Watford, Lewis secured a short‑term deal that saw him travel from Newcastle United to Brazil’s São Paulo club. "It was a bit late in the window, but the opportunity was too intriguing to pass up," Lewis recalled.
"Brazilian football has a legendary reputation, and I wanted to test myself in a completely different environment – both on and off the pitch." Lewis described the Brazilian experience as eye‑opening, praising the vibrant culture, passionate supporters, and distinctive style of play. However, his stint was abruptly curtailed after just two months when an injury sustained on international duty forced him back to England. In total, he managed six appearances for São Paulo before returning to Newcastle. "I didn’t get to explore Brazil as much as I hoped," he admitted.
"Even São Paulo is massive – you can drive an hour and still be in the same urban sprawl. The biggest regret is not speaking Portuguese, which would have helped me connect more deeply with teammates and fans. Still, I’d love to revisit Brazil later in my life and soak up more of its footballing magic." Back in the English game, Watford have handed the captain’s armband to 26‑year‑old Imran Louza, who has led the side for the majority of the season following Moussa Sissoko’s departure to Panathinaikos. "Being a captain isn’t something that happens overnight," Louza said.
"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." Louza emphasizes that his influence is primarily demonstrated through his work rate and attitude on the pitch rather than through vocal commands. "I always give my all – heart, passion, relentless runs – and when the moment calls for it I’ll raise my voice to motivate the group. Leadership is about balance; you can’t be nice all the time, and sometimes a firm word is needed to spark a response.
My competitive nature drives me to want to win every match, and that energy hopefully lifts the whole squad." The Championship also boasts a rare presence of a World Cup winner: Steven Nzonzi, who reflects fondly on his most iconic moment in football history. In the 2018 World Cup final at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, Nzonzi entered the field in the 55th minute with France leading 2‑1 against Croatia, replacing none other than tournament‑star N’Golo Kanté. "The pressure was immense," Nzonzi recalled.
"Coming on for arguably the best player of the tournament was daunting, but you have to block out the noise and focus on your role. When I stepped onto the pitch, we soon extended the lead, and that gave me a huge sense of relief." He described the turning point when Kylian Mbappé added a fourth goal, cementing France’s dominance. "At 4‑1, I looked around at my teammates and thought, ‘This is it.’ The second goal didn’t change anything – we knew the match was ours.
That’s when the reality of being world champions truly sank in." Nzonzi’s recollection of lifting the trophy is a blur of emotion and celebration. "After the final whistle we ran to the fans, waving flags, and I remember hugging my son. I’m not sure whether I held the trophy before or after that moment – everything was happening so fast!
The image of the World Cup in my hands and the medal around my neck are memories I’ll cherish forever." These stories illustrate the diverse journeys of players navigating the highs and lows of professional football – from representing a distant nation and embracing new cultures, to leading clubs in England’s toughest league, and reminiscing about the pinnacle of world sport. Each narrative underscores the dedication, adaptability, and passion that define the beautiful game.