Ben Brereton Diaz, the Stoke-on-Trent native who now wears the Chilean jersey, often finds himself still in disbelief that he has become a household name on the other side of the world. The journey began in 2021 when a group of devoted fans, after spotting his Chilean heritage on the Football Manager database, launched a social media drive urging the Chilean federation to call him up. Their campaign paid off, and since that breakthrough he has accumulated 42 caps and found the net ten times for La Roja.
"Every time I step onto the pitch in Chile I feel an incredible joy," the Derby County forward explained. "The reception from the fans is phenomenal. The first call-up was a whirlwind – the love and support were overwhelming, and scoring goals only added to the magic. I’m proud to make my family, who split their lives between Chile and England, feel proud as well.
Deciding to represent Chile has been one of the best choices of my career; the experiences have been priceless and I’ve learned a great deal each time I answer the call. I hope the national team will keep inviting me and that we can build something lasting together." Unfortunately, Chile have missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment Brereton Diaz feels keenly.
Yet he remains optimistic about the future. "Missing out on the tournament was heartbreaking, but it only fuels our determination. We have a wave of young talent emerging, and we’re laying the foundations for a side that can return to the world stage," he said. In the English Championship, Portsmouth have endured a difficult campaign, hovering near the bottom of the table.
Despite the team’s struggles, 22-year-old Northern Irish right‑back Terry Devlin has enjoyed a breakthrough season. Used both as a traditional full‑back and as an attacking wing‑back, Devlin says the regular minutes have been a major positive. "There have been ups and downs for the club, but personally I’ve loved the consistency.
This is my first season playing week in, week out, and I’m aiming to finish strongly. Of course I’d love to see the team climb higher in the standings, but it feels good to have cemented my place and contribute regularly." Devlin attributes his progress to relentless professionalism. "It boils down to consistency," he noted. "Day after day I’ve been doing the same work I did last season and the season before.
Over time that steadiness shows in performances. Being a good professional means giving 100% every training session and match.
I’ll keep learning from the senior players, refining my game, and staying consistent – that’s the path to reaching the level I aspire to." Across the Atlantic, the 2024 summer transfer window produced one of its more unconventional moves. After a loan spell at Watford, Jamal Lewis swapped his Newcastle contract for a short‑term stint with São Paulo in Brazil.
"It was a bit late in the window, but the opportunity sounded exciting," Lewis, now back at Preston, recalled. "Everyone knows how revered Brazilian football is, and I saw it as a chance to showcase myself in a different market while immersing in a new culture, people, and league." His Brazilian adventure was abruptly curtailed when an injury sustained on international duty forced his return after just six appearances.
"I didn’t get to explore Brazil as much as I hoped – even São Paulo is massive, you can drive an hour and still be in the same urban sprawl. It was a breath of fresh air, though. My only regret is not speaking Portuguese, which would have helped me connect more deeply. I definitely plan to visit again later in life." Meanwhile, at Watford, 26‑year‑old Imran Louza has taken on the captain’s armband, inheriting the role from Moussa Sissoko after his departure to Panathinaikos.
"Being a captain takes time to grow into," Louza explained. "If I were still in France it would be easier to communicate, but after five years in England I try to lead by being behind the players, earning their respect and giving them mine. Leadership comes naturally to me." Louza says his influence is more about setting an example on the pitch than delivering speeches in the dressing room, though he’s learning to find his voice when needed.
"I always give my heart, my passion, my runs – everything – on the field. Sometimes I have to raise my voice, shout, because the captain must motivate and keep the team focused.
You can’t be nice all the time; you need to be competitive and want to win every match. That drive helps the whole squad." The Championship also hosts a rare World Cup champion: Steven Nzonzi, who smiles whenever he recalls the pinnacle of his career – 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 immense pressure," Nzonzi admitted.
"Coming on for arguably the best player of the tournament was daunting, but you have to block out everything else and focus. When we scored two more goals shortly after, I felt a huge relief and just gave my best." He remembers the moment the fourth goal came from Kylian Mbappé, sealing a 4‑1 victory.
"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 game was ours. That’s when the reality of being world champions sank in." The post‑match euphoria was a blur. "We went straight to meet the fans, waved the French flag, and I rushed to see my son. I’m not sure if I touched the trophy before or after that, everything was happening at once.
The memories – the photo with the trophy, the medal around my neck – are things you carry for a lifetime." These stories illustrate the diverse journeys of players navigating the English Championship: a Chilean international thriving abroad, a young Irish defender finding his footing, a British‑born midfielder tasting Brazilian culture, a Watford captain growing into leadership, and a World Cup winner reliving his greatest triumph. Each narrative adds depth to the league’s rich tapestry, showing that beyond the results table there are personal triumphs, cultural exchanges, and ambitions that shape football’s global community.