A post by an Argentine influencer had sent Tim Payne’s follower count soaring to unprecedented heights. Now, the New Zealand World Cup participant will soon be playing club soccer in South America.
New Zealand’s new social media star, Tim Payne, will leave his home country after the World Cup to join Paraguayan first-division club Club Olimpia. His current club, Wellington Phoenix, confirmed the 32-year-old’s transfer to the 48-time champion for an undisclosed transfer fee. His contract with the Asunción-based club is set to run for a year and a half. Olimpia is the only club from Paraguay to have won the Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the Champions League.
Before the World Cup, Payne had unexpectedly become famous as the tournament’s “least known” player thanks to a prominent promotional post by Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini, also known as “El Scarso.” The defender’s follower count skyrocketed from just 4,000 to over five million in a single week and currently stands at just under six million.
“Not an easy decision”
“This was not an easy decision,” Payne wrote on Friday in a post about his transfer: “Seven years with Wellington Phoenix. 149 games. To the fans, my teammates, and everyone who has supported me throughout my career—through the highs and the lows: Thank you.” Being able to prove himself at the “top of South American soccer” is “one of the most incredible opportunities” he could have hoped for as a professional.
Scarsini was among the first to leave a comment below the post: “Good luck, brother.” Payne was in the starting lineup for New Zealand’s first World Cup group stage match against Iran (2–2). The team will also face Egypt and Belgium in Group G.
Before his time in Wellington, Payne—who was developed by Blackburn Rovers in England, among other clubs—spent part of his professional career with Auckland City. This marks his first move outside the Australasia region to South America. He is already familiar with North America from his time with the Portland Timbers.