Tim Payne becomes social media sensation during World Cup campaign
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 10:34 PM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
Tim Payne, a 32-year-old defender for New Zealand, gained widespread fame during the World Cup after Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini identified him as the tournament's least known player. His Instagram followers surged from about 4,700 to over 5.6 million within days, surpassing prominent figures in New Zealand sports. This unique campaign highlights the unexpected ways players can capture public interest, with fans creating highlight reels and memes around Payne while he retains his career focus with Wellington Phoenix. The All Whites' participation marks their return to the World Cup since 2010, adding context to this unusual rise in fame. Expectations for the team remain low as they seek to make an impact in the competition.
- •Tim Payne had 4,700 Instagram followers prior to the World Cup.
- •Argentina's influencer Valen Scarsini launched a campaign to promote him.
- •Payne's follower count soared to over 5.6 million quickly.
- •He plays for Wellington Phoenix and has a decade-long international career.
- •New Zealand's last World Cup appearance was in 2010.
- 10:34 PMYahoo Sports — Tim Payne Was the World Cup's Least Known Player Until Argentina Fell in Love
"Two weeks ago, Tim Payne had around 4,700 Instagram followers, which is roughly what you would expect for a 32-year-old New Zealand defender who has spent most of his career in his home league. Then an Argentine influencer named Valen Scarsini went looking for the least known player at the World Cup, found him, and…
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- EPL•Jun 12, 2026, 11:39 PMClint Dempsey slams Canada boss Jesse Marsch over US anthem ‘begging’ claim
- EPL•Jun 12, 2026, 11:10 PMMaxence Lacroix: United ready to take advantage of contract stand-off
- EPL•Jun 12, 2026, 10:55 PMReal Madrid told to ‘forget about’ Florentino Perez target
- EPL•Jun 12, 2026, 10:40 PMMan United pile on more long-term debt in latest financial move
EPL•Jun 12, 2026, 10:22 PMPapers: West Ham's Fernandes chooses Man Utd over Arsenal
EPL•Jun 12, 2026, 10:10 PMFormer West Ham director removed from inquiry into David Sullivan
