Tim Payne gains viral fame ahead of World Cup, coach comments
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 4:16 AM
Last updated Jun 2, 2026
New Zealand defender Tim Payne has seen his Instagram following surge from 4,715 to 4.2 million in less than a week. This influx is attributed to an Argentine influencer who dubbed him the least-known player at the World Cup and rallied support from his followers. New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley expressed his admiration for how Payne is managing the sudden attention, acknowledging his teammate's focus on the tournament. Midfielder Marko Stamenic backed Payne, stating that he is unlikely to let the fame affect him. Scarsini, the influencer behind the attention, is expected to meet Payne following the All Whites' upcoming friendly against Haiti.
- •Payne's Instagram followers rise dramatically in a week.
- •Coach Bazeley commends Payne's composure amid sudden fame.
- •Influencer Scarsini ignites support for the defender.
- •Payne remains focused on upcoming World Cup matches.
- 5:05 PMYahoo Sports — Why New Zealand defender Tim Payne became viral sensation before World Cup
- 4:16 AMYahoo Sports — Soccer-New Zealand's Payne handling viral social media fame well, says bewildered coach
"Tim Payne becoming a World Cup cult hero before kicking a ball is exactly the kind of internet story soccer keeps producing now. The 32-year-old New Zealand defender was not pushed into the spotlight by a transfer saga or a wild highlight reel.
"By Ian Ransom June 2 (Reuters) - New Zealand defender Tim Payne is taking his sudden social media fame in his stride as he prepares for the World Cup, bringing unexpected attention to the tournament's
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 5:05 PMWhy New Zealand defender Tim Payne became viral sensation before World Cup
Tim Payne becoming a World Cup cult hero before kicking a ball is exactly the kind of internet story soccer keeps producing now. The 32-year-old New Zealand defender was not pushed into the spotlight by a transfer saga or a wild highlight reel.
- Yahoo SportsJun 2, 2026, 4:16 AMSoccer-New Zealand's Payne handling viral social media fame well, says bewildered coach
By Ian Ransom June 2 (Reuters) - New Zealand defender Tim Payne is taking his sudden social media fame in his stride as he prepares for the World Cup, bringing unexpected attention to the tournament's
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- FIFA World Cup•Aug 5, 2026, 8:25 AMVinicius rejects €22 million Real Madrid contract offer as Cristiano Ronaldo parallels emerge
- FIFA World Cup•Aug 5, 2026, 8:00 AMArsene Wenger breaks silence on Gianni Infantino’s failed World Cup sell-off plan
- FIFA World Cup•Aug 5, 2026, 7:20 AMHassan snubs big payday keeping Celtic hopes alive
- FIFA World Cup•Aug 5, 2026, 6:28 AMJordan FA chief accuses FIFA’s Infantino of ‘blackmail’ over endorsement
- FIFA World Cup•Aug 5, 2026, 6:17 AMMissed the World Cup? USMNT vs. Mexico brings something similar to Arizona
- FIFA World Cup•Aug 4, 2026, 11:22 PMUnited States makes decision on head coach after World Cup disaster
