While the Championship, League One, and League Two are often viewed as domestic competitions, the stories of their players frequently span continents. From South American stardom to World Cup glory, the EFL is home to a fascinating collection of international narratives that highlight the global nature of modern football.
Ben Brereton Diaz: The Stoke-on-Trent Star of Chile
For Derby County forward Ben Brereton Diaz, his international career remains a surreal chapter born from a Football Manager discovery. Since a 2021 social media campaign highlighted his Chilean eligibility, the striker has become a key figure for La Roja, earning 42 caps and scoring 10 goals. Speaking to Sky Sports, he described the "amazing" support and love he receives in Chile, a nation where his family roots lie. Despite Chile's recent failure to qualify for the last two World Cups, Brereton Diaz is optimistic about a youthful squad building for the future.
Jamal Lewis's Brazilian Sojourn
In one of the more unexpected moves of 2024, Northern Ireland international Jamal Lewis swapped Watford for a loan spell at Brazilian giants São Paulo. Now at Preston North End, Lewis recalls the late-window move as a "great opportunity" to experience a different football culture and showcase his talents in a new market. Though an injury on international duty curtailed his adventure after just six appearances, he describes it as a "breath of fresh air," with his main regret being an inability to speak Portuguese to connect more deeply with people.
Steven Nzonzi: A Championship World Champion
It's not every day you find a World Cup winner plying his trade in England's second tier. Steven Nzonzi, however, holds that unique status. Recalling the 2018 final in Moscow, the midfielder vividly remembers the pressure of replacing N'Golo Kanté with France leading Croatia 2-1. "You don't want to replace N'Golo and not be good enough, especially in the final," he said. The moment of realization came at 4-1, a lead that felt unassailable. The post-match celebrations remain a glorious blur, a lifetime memory anchored by the medal and the trophy.
Leadership and Breakthroughs at Home
Closer to home, other stories of growth are unfolding. At Watford, 26-year-old Moroccan international Imran Louza has embraced the captain's armband, learning to balance leading by example with the occasional necessary shout. Meanwhile, at Portsmouth, 22-year-old Terry Devlin is enjoying a personal breakthrough season as a consistent starter at right-back or wing-back, crediting daily professionalism for his rise despite the team's struggles.
Ben Brereton Diaz: 10 goals in 42 caps for Chile.
Jamal Lewis: 6 appearances for São Paulo in Brazil.
Steven Nzonzi: 2018 World Cup winner with France.
Imran Louza: Watford captain at age 26.
Terry Devlin: Breakthrough season at Portsmouth.
Key Takeaways
- The EFL is a hub for players with remarkable and diverse international experiences, from South American stardom to global trophies.
- Ben Brereton Diaz's journey from a Football Manager curiosity to a Chilean international highlights the unpredictable paths of modern football careers.
- Even short-term moves abroad, like Jamal Lewis's to Brazil, can provide invaluable cultural and professional perspectives for players.
- Steven Nzonzi's presence in the Championship is a rare reminder that world-class achievement exists throughout the football pyramid.
- Domestic stories of leadership and breakthrough seasons, like those of Imran Louza and Terry Devlin, run parallel to these global tales.