Next stop Paraguay: All Whites defender Tim Payne's viral adventure isn't over
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Tim Payne will leave the World Cup with 6 million new fans, but the adventure isn’t over for the All Whites’ viral sensation.
As New Zealand’s squad disperses after their group-stage exit, Payne will briefly return to Wellington before travelling to Paraguay for a medical to finalise his move to 48-time champions Club Olimpia, embracing his sudden surge in South American popularity.
The 32-year-old right back secured the overseas transfer from Wellington Phoenix after going viral before the World Cup, identified by Argentine content creator El Scarso for – ironically – having the lowest Instagram following, though the method was far from scientific.
Speaking after the All Whites were eliminated by Belgium on Friday (Saturday NZT), Payne said Club Olimpia’s interest “came about pretty quickly” once his following exploded from 4000 to 6 million.
After seven years at the Phoenix, Payne said playing at a World Cup and moving overseas had always been his dream.
He has been learning Spanish on Duolingo, with support from his partner Michelle Peters, who grew up in Costa Rica.
“They got in contact with my agent and it’s a fantastic football move and a fantastic move for my family. Everything just seemed to fit. I had really good conversations with them and to be able to go there and compete at that level, it’s just a fantastic challenge,” Payne said.
“Any footballer wants to try and compete at the highest level they can. Where at a massive tournament so you’re on the world stage and if you perform that can happen. I’ve always been open to the idea.”
Payne met Scarsini at the team hotel in Boca Raton after the warm-up against Haiti and said he remained grateful for being singled out – especially with some team-mates having even fewer followers.
In a sign of just how far his fame had spread, McDonald’s Argentina created a personalised Payne “Legends Cup”, putting him alongside global stars Lionel Messi, David Beckham and Ronaldinho, while dozens of international supporters arrived at the All Whites’ first game in Los Angeles kitted out in “No Payne, No Gain” t-shirts.
“I’m eternally grateful to what he’s done. He’s a fantastic guy and I really appreciate it. I’m just grateful he’s chosen me,” Payne said.
“I’ve really been trying to make sure he’s included in this because without him, the people of Argentina and the people of LATAM, and even in New Zealand, wouldn’t have had that focus on me.”
On the pitch, Payne couldn’t replicate his off-field impact, despite starting all three group games at right back.
He assisted Finn Surman’s goal against Egypt to give the All Whites a 1-0 halftime lead, but was repeatedly exposed on crosses and endured a difficult battle with Belgium winger Jeremy Doku.
The All Whites needed to beat Belgium to progress but were outclassed in a 5-1 defeat.
Payne said it was hard to sum up the overall World Cup experience while the loss was still raw, with disappointment his immediate emotion.
The All Whites were the lowest-ranked side at the tournament but arrived with ambitions of a first win and a knockout-stage place.
They led twice against Iran and once against Egypt but finished with one point after a 2-2 draw with Iran.
“I think we showed glimpses of the team that we can be, but overall I’d probably sum it up as disappointing,” Payne said.
“At the same time, the football that we played, the way we carried ourselves, I hope we have inspired a lot of people back home to come out and compete and play football.”