Matthew Max Dibley-Dias (born 29 October 2003) is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for club Newport County, on loan from 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, 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.
On 25 February 2026, following the premature end to his loan at Chesterfield, Dibley-Dias joined National League side, Braintree Town on loan for the remainder of the 2025–26 campaign.
On 26 August 2026 Dibley-Dias joined EFL League Two club Newport County on a short term loan.Dibley-Dias joins Newport He made his Newport debut on 29 August 2026 in the 2-2 League Two draw against Tranmere Rovers.Dibley-Dias Newport debut
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.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsFulham U212023–24———2020Fulham2024–25Premier League0000——002025–26Premier League0000——00Total0000——00Northampton Town (loan)2024–25League One2000100030Chesterfield (loan)2025–26League Two4000100050Braintree Town (loan)2025–26National League00———00Career total60002020100
Honours Fulham U21
Premier League Cup Champion : 2023–2024
Fulham U23
Premier League Division 2 Champion : 2021-2022
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
References