The internet sensation is real: Tim Payne to play for Paraguay's Olimpia | OneFootball

The South American transfer market was rocked by unexpected news. Tim Payne, the right back for the New Zealand national team who became a full-blown 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.

The details of the transfer

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 biceps. In addition, international outlets such as Sky Sports are already reporting his move from Wellington Phoenix as a done deal.

Payne, who has been playing in his home country and recently 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 “El Decano,” he will share a team with Argentines Juan Fernando Alfaro, Franco Alfonso, and Iván Leguizamón, who will surely help him overcome the language barrier, since the New Zealander still doesn’t 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 full-back’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 virtually unknown footballer 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 completely took off:

Grateful for the support of the Latin community, Payne had already shown himself open to playing in South America, and in the coming weeks that wish will become 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.