New Zealand right back Tim Payne, one of the viral sensations heading into the 2026 World Cup, is set to join Paraguayan club Olimpia after the tournament. The 32-year-old, who has played for Wellington Phoenix since 2019, is expected to move to Asuncion and compete in the Copa Sudamericana, although the transfer has not yet been formally announced.
Olimpia hinted at the signing on X with a flexed-arm emoji and the New Zealand flag. Media outlets including Sky Sports have already reported that the deal is done. After New Zealand’s 2-2 draw with Iran, Payne told ESPN that a move to South American football was something he would consider, but added that his focus remains on his national team and on trying to “get past the group stage and keep going” at the World Cup.
Payne was virtually unknown only weeks ago, but he is now the most-followed New Zealand athlete on social media, by millions ahead of leading All Blacks players. His rise began when Argentine influencer Scarsso looked for the least famous player among the 2026 World Cup participants and asked followers to boost him. Payne had just over 4,700 Instagram followers at the time, but within 48 hours his account jumped to 1.6 million, and after learning about the craze he posted a thank-you video in Spanish.
He now has 5.8 million Instagram followers, more than New Zealand’s population of about 5.3 million, and is close to Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha in online fame. Payne was also pursued by Argentine side Deportivo Riestra, which submitted an offer for him a few days ago. At Olimpia, he will face a language challenge because he does not speak Spanish, and he will be coached by Argentine Pablo “Vitamina” Sanchez, who led the club to the 2026 Apertura title. Olimpia is Paraguay’s record champion with 48 league titles and has won South America’s top competition three times, last lifting the Copa Libertadores in 2002.
