New Zealand defender Tim Payne has officially joined Paraguayan champions Club Olimpia, signing a one-year contract on June 19, 2026. This move comes in the wake of a significant increase in his social media following during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Rise to Fame

The 32-year-old from Auckland gained widespread attention after Argentinian influencer Valen Scarsini, known as El Scarso, pointed out that Payne had the fewest social media followers among tournament players. This revelation led to a dramatic rise in Payne's Instagram followers, skyrocketing from under 5,000 to 5.8 million, which in turn attracted interest from various clubs across Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Mexico.

Previous Experience and Future Ambitions

Before his transfer, Payne spent seven years with the Wellington Phoenix in Australia's A-League Men, where he made 143 appearances and scored four goals since joining in 2019. He has also earned 52 caps for the New Zealand national team, scoring three goals since his debut in 2012. As he prepares for the World Cup, where New Zealand will face Iran in their opening match, Payne expressed gratitude to his fans and teammates for their support throughout his career.

Payne is eager to challenge himself in South American football, particularly in prestigious competitions like the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana. He stated, "I’ve always pushed myself to be the best footballer I can be," emphasizing that this opportunity is a significant step in his professional journey. The defender also acknowledged the historic significance of Club Olimpia, noting its impressive record of 48 league titles and three Copa Libertadores trophies, which influenced his decision to join the club.

With a strong connection to the Spanish-speaking region through his family background, Payne feels optimistic about his transition to Paraguay. He remarked, "It wasn’t an easy decision, but it feels right," as he looks forward to embracing the challenges ahead with Club Olimpia.