World Cup: New Zealand’s viral soccer star Tim Payne signs with Olimpia in Paraguay

By: Steve Mcmorran, The Associated Press Posted: 6:41 PM CDT Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand defender Tim Payne, who achieved viral fame after being singled out by a soccer influencer ahead of the World Cup, has confirmed he will play for Club Olimpia in Paraguay.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*Billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks. After 52 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Payne’s following on Instagram rocketed from 4,700 to 5.8 million after the influencer El Scarso , whose real name is Valen Scarsini, identified him as the World Cup player with the smallest social media following.

Sudden fame meant that clubs in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Mexico showed interest in signing Payne. He confirmed Friday an earlier Associated Press report that he had signed with Olimpia on a one-year deal.

Iran's Mehdi Ghayedi (10) battles for the ball with New Zealand's Tim Payne (2) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Payne said. “Seven years at (the A-League’s) Wellington Phoenix, 149 games.

“To the fans, my teammates, and all those who have supported me throughout my career, the highs and the lows, thank you. Without you I would not be here representing my country at the World Cup — the very pinnacle of the sport.

He is looking forward to competing for his new club.

“I’ve always pushed myself to be the best footballer I can be,” Payne said. “To test myself at the very top of South American football, the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana, is one of the most incredible opportunities I could have asked for as a professional.”

Olimpia recently won Paraguay’s Copa de Primera Apertura title for the 48th time.

“Club Olimpia is one of the biggest clubs in South America, with an incredible history, passionate supporters and ambitions that match its stature,” Payne said. “I am looking forward to rising to that challenge.”

___

AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/FIFA-World-Cup