The internet sensation is real: Tim Payne to join Olimpia | OneFootball

The South American transfer market was shaken by unexpected news. Tim Payne, the right back of the New Zealand national team who became an absolute viral phenomenon in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, will be Olimpia’s new player. The 32-year-old defender will join the Paraguayan giant once his World Cup campaign in North America comes to an end.

Transfer details

Although the formal official announcement is still pending, Olimpia has already dropped very clear hints on its social media by posting the New Zealand flag emojis and a flexed arm. In addition, international outlets such as Sky Sports are already reporting his transfer from Wellington Phoenix as a done deal.

Payne, who most recently played in his home country’s league and drew 2-2 against Iran in the World Cup, will join the squad led by Argentine coach Pablo “Vitamina” Sánchez (recent winner of the 2026 Apertura) to compete in the Copa Sudamericana. At the “Decano,” he will share the team with Argentines Juan Fernando Alfaro, Franco Alfonso, and Iván Leguizamón, who will surely help him with the language barrier, as the New Zealander still does not speak Spanish. It is worth noting that just a few days ago Deportivo Riestra had also submitted a formal offer to bring him to Argentina’s Liga Profesional, but the fullback’s destination will ultimately be Asunción.

From unknown to social media star

Payne’s story seems like something out of a movie. Just a few weeks ago, he was a footballer virtually unknown outside Oceania, with only 4,700 followers on Instagram. Everything changed when Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini (@ElScarso) set out to find the “least famous” player at the World Cup and make him go viral.

The campaign took off completely:

Grateful for the support of the Latin community, Payne had already shown he was open to playing in South America, and in the coming weeks that wish will become a reality at one of the biggest clubs on the continent.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.