Benjamin Anthony Brereton, later known as Ben Brereton Díaz, is a professional football forward who transitioned from the English academy system to international representation for Chile. Born in 1999 in Stoke-on-Trent, he began his senior career with Nottingham Forest in 2017 before navigating a decade of domestic and European club competition.
Early Development and Nottingham Forest
Brereton Díaz spent his youth career within the Manchester United and Stoke City systems before joining Nottingham Forest in 2015. He made his professional debut in January 2017 against Leeds United and scored his first goal against Aston Villa the following month. By April 2017, he received the Championship Apprentice of the Year award at the EFL Awards ceremony in London.
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In 2018, he moved to Blackburn Rovers on loan, finalizing a permanent transfer in 2019 for approximately £7 million. His tenure at Blackburn peaked during the 2021–22 season, where he netted 22 goals. Qualifying through his mother, Andrea Díaz, who was born in Concepción, Chile, he chose to represent the Chile national team, debuting in 2021 and participating in the Copa América.
European Campaigns and Loan Spells
Brereton Díaz signed a four-year contract with Villarreal in 2023, though he departed without a goal after 20 appearances. He returned to England in 2024 to join Sheffield United on loan, scoring six league goals before moving permanently to Southampton. Following subsequent loan spells at Sheffield United and Derby County, he continued his professional career through the 2026 season.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 April 1999, Stoke-on-Trent
- Citizenship: United Kingdom; Chile
- Education: Blythe Bridge High School
- Senior Debut: 2017
- Key Clubs: Nottingham Forest, Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield United, Southampton
- International Team: Chile
- Championship Apprentice of the Year: 2017
Questions readers ask
Which international team does Ben Brereton Díaz represent?
He represents the Chile national team, having qualified through his mother.
Where did Brereton Díaz begin his professional football career?
He made his senior debut for Nottingham Forest in 2017.
