Summary
- New Zealand defender Tim Payne who became a social media sensation during the FIFA World Cup has capitalized on his newfound fame by signing with Paraguayan powerhouse and 48-time champions Olimpia, the club announced on Friday.
- The 32-year-old versatile defender rose to unexpected social media fame before the World Cup when Argentine influencer “El Scarso” launched a campaign to increase the followers of the tournament’s “least-followed player.” As a result of the campaign, Payne’s Instagram following surged from just 4,000 to more than 5 million within a week and has now grown to nearly 6 million.
- Thank you to all the fans, teammates, and everyone who supported me through the highs and lows of my career.” He added: “The opportunity to test myself at one of South America’s highest levels of football, in competitions like the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, is an incredible chance for me as a professional.” El Scarso whose real name is Valen Scarsini also reacted to the announcement saying: “Good luck, brother.” Payne started New Zealand’s opening World Cup match which ended in a 2-2 draw against Iran.
New Zealand defender Tim Payne who became a social media sensation during the FIFA World Cup has capitalized on his newfound fame by signing with Paraguayan powerhouse and 48-time champions Olimpia, the club announced on Friday.
His current club, Wellington Phoenix, confirmed that Payne has been transferred to the famous Paraguayan side for an undisclosed fee.
The 32-year-old versatile defender rose to unexpected social media fame before the World Cup when Argentine influencer “El Scarso” launched a campaign to increase the followers of the tournament’s “least-followed player.”
As a result of the campaign, Payne’s Instagram following surged from just 4,000 to more than 5 million within a week and has now grown to nearly 6 million.
In a farewell post on Friday, Payne said:
“This decision wasn’t easy. Seven years, 149 matches with Wellington Phoenix. Thank you to all the fans, teammates, and everyone who supported me through the highs and lows of my career.”
He added:
“The opportunity to test myself at one of South America’s highest levels of football, in competitions like the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, is an incredible chance for me as a professional.”
El Scarso whose real name is Valen Scarsini also reacted to the announcement saying:
“Good luck, brother.”
Payne started New Zealand’s opening World Cup match which ended in a 2-2 draw against Iran.
New Zealand will next face Egypt and Belgium in Group G of the tournament.
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