Matt Dibley-Dias


Matthew Max Dibley-Dias is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Premier League side 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, England and New Zealand through his mother.

Club 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.
In July 2024, Dibley-Dias joined League One side Northampton Town on a season-long loan deal.
In July 2025, Dibley-Dias joined League Two side Chesterfield on a season-long loan deal.

International career

Dibley-Dias 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
Fulham U23
Fulham U18
  • Premier League South Division Champion: 2020-2021
  • Premier League U18 Runner-up: 2020-2021
  • Premier League Cup U18 Runner-up: 2021-2022
Individual
  • Johnny Haynes Trophy : 2022–2023