Fifa World Cup: All Whites defender Tim Payne set to join Paraguayan champions Club Olimpia - report
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Los Angeles: Viral All Whites defender Tim Payne looks set to cash in on his huge popularity in South America by signing with Paraguayan champions Club Olimpia after the World Cup.
Payne’s reported move even got the trademark “here we go” treatment from Fabrizio Romano, the Italian sports journalist considered the world leading authority on football transfer news.
The move, first reported by Sky Sports in the UK, would cap a whirlwind World Cup for the 32-year-old Wellington Phoenix fullback, who became an online sensation after being singled out by Argentina content creator El Scarso, for, ironically, being the least-known player at the tournament.
Payne had never heard of a community manager until three weeks ago. Now he has one helping run his social media accounts after becoming one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup.
While All Whites captain Chris Wood featured on billboards outside Los Angeles Stadium, Payne was the player many neutrals came to see when New Zealand opened their World Cup campaign with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Iran.
Outside the stadium, a Mexican father and son queued in customised Tim Payne shirts featuring the Phoenix defender’s face on the back and the slogan “No Payne, No Gain” on the front.
When Eli Just fronted reporters after scoring both of the All Whites’ goals in a record-breaking individual performance, a journalist from El Salvador asked whether Payne would be joining him, eager to speak to New Zealand’s viral sensation.
After politely declining a string of requests from international media as he made his way through the mixed zone, Payne stopped to speak with New Zealand reporters and offered fresh insight into his new life.
“It’s probably come at the right time. I’m 32 years-old, I’ve matured a lot over the years and I think I have the capabilities to deal with something like this,” Payne said.
“I’m just trying to focus on my football. I’ve got people now in place who are helping me out and helping me navigate it. It’s a very new world to me. I’m very much learning, processing it all and trying to make the right decisions.”
When he left for the United States, Payne had fewer than 4000 Instagram followers. Now he has 5.8 million.
It’s all thanks to El Scarso, who identified Payne as the least-followed player at the World Cup and urged his audience to boost his profile.
Since then, Payne’s following has skyrocketed, New Zealand Football and Wellington Phoenix have been flooded with interview requests.
While he has embraced the attention, Payne said he has enlisted extra support to manage the sudden spotlight and allow him to focus on football.
“I don’t think I ever dreamed about this support. I dreamed about this world stage, of representing my country at a World Cup and playing at the highest level possible, but that’s my main focus,” Payne said.
“All the support has been overwhelmingly positive, which is a beautiful thing. My life hasn’t changed with regards to who I am. I’m just trying to focus on my football here with the All Whites and put my best foot forward in performance.”
Payne started at right back against Iran before making way for Callan Elliot midway through the second half.
His initial reaction to the 2-2 draw was disappointment after the All Whites led twice in the game, but he felt it was otherwise an encouraging start to their World Cup campaign.
“It’s what we play football for, to be involved on the biggest stage at a World Cup in front of 70,000 fans in a brilliant stadium. It doesn’t get much better.”