Matt Dibley-Dias

Matthew Max Dibley-Dias (born 29 October 2003) is a New Zealand footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Premier League club Fulham.

Early life and family
Dibley-Dias was born in Lower Hutt, New Zealand to a Brazilian father and a New Zealand mother. He moved to England with his family at a young age. He is the grandson of Brazilian footballer Manoelzinho, and is eligible to represent Portugal and Brazil internationally through his father.

Career
Dibley-Dias has been described as "in strong form for Fulham’s U-21 side and as "being touted as a first-team player in waiting". He mainly operates as a midfielder and is known for his long-shooting ability.

He joined the youth academy of English Premier League side Fulham at the age of fourteen, and signed a three-year professional contract with the club in September 2021. In 2023 he signed a contract extension to 2027. He received the Johnny Haynes academy player of the year award for the 2022/23 season. He has appeared on Fulham's bench four times, including at the end of their 2022–23 Premier League season and for their 2023–24 season opener.

He accepted a call-up to play in friendly matches on behalf of the All Whites in October 2023, but was unable to play due to a hamstring injury. All Whites coach Darren Bazeley said the injury was a "real shame". The New Zealand Herald noted that Dibley-Dias "has been pursued by Bazeley and New Zealand Football for a long time". He had previously rejected an offer to play for New Zealand at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup due to opportunities with Fulham.

Honours
Fulham U21


 * Premier League Cup : 2023–2024

Fulham U23


 * Premier League Division 2 : 2021-2022

Fulham U18


 * Premier League South Division : 2020-2021

Individual


 * Johnny Haynes Trophy : 2022–2023