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Tim Payne agrees to join Club Olimpia after World Cup fame

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 10:21 AM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Tim Payne agrees to join Club Olimpia after World Cup fame

Summary

Tim Payne, the New Zealand defender who gained viral fame during the 2026 World Cup, has agreed to a transfer to Club Olimpia in Paraguay. Initially regarded as one of the tournament's least recognized players, Payne's social media following exploded from under 5,000 to approximately 5.8 million. His move away from Australia’s A-League marks a significant milestone at the age of 32. Club Olimpia, seeking experienced talent and a global audience, sees Payne as a valuable addition for the coming seasons.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Tim Payne's transfer to Club Olimpia confirmed as of June 16, 2026.
•Payne's Instagram followers surged to 5.8 million during the World Cup.
•He was initially dubbed the tournament's least famous player.
•Olimpia aims to leverage Payne's popularity and experience.
•Payne has 50 international caps for New Zealand.

Latest Updates

10:21 AMYahoo Sports — The World Cup’s most unlikely star Tim Payne seals post-tournament transfer

What they're saying

"
A social media stunt that started with fewer than 5,000 Instagram followers has rewritten the final chapter of Tim Payne’s career. The New Zealand defender landed at the 2026 World Cup billed as the tournament’s least famous name, a label dreamed up online rather than earned on the pitch.
— Yahoo Sports

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Copa Libertadores Soccer