New Zealand footballer Tim Payne, who became one of the stars of the 2026 World Cup thanks to a viral campaign by an Argentine content creator, is set to continue his career in South America after signing for Paraguayan football team Olimpia.

Originally reported by the British outlet Sky Sports Football, the club hinted at a confirmation on Monday by publishing emojis of a flexed biceps and a New Zealand flag on their official X account. So far, there’s been no further details about the transfer.

Payne, 32, has played for the Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand since 2019, which competes in the Australian A-League. Throughout his career, he’s also played for Auckland City, Waitakere United, and Eastern Suburbs in New Zealand, as well as Blackburn Rovers in England.

Before being linked to Olimpia, Payne was also linked to a deal to Argentine club Deportivo Riestra, which is known for publicity-driven moves. In 2025, they were fined AR$20 million (just over US$17,000 at the MEP rate at the time) after including videogame streamer Iván Buhajeruk, better known as Spreen, as a player in a professional game, although he only played 59 seconds.

Payne became a sensation after young Argentine content creator Valen Scarsini (@elscarso) sent his followers on a mission to follow “the least-known player” called up for the World Cup.

He looked up the Instagram follower counts of all athletes until he found the one with the fewest followers: Payne. The New Zealander had just 4,715 followers at the time, and has since skyrocketed to 5,8 million.

On Monday, Scarsini confirmed he had received a message from McDonald’s, confirming they were going to create a special Tim Payne plastic cup to go alongside its football legends collection. However, the cup will be a one-off and won’t go on sale.

Payne featured in New Zealand’s debut against Iran on Monday, where they tied 2-2. He was part of the starting eleven, although he was subbed off in the 77th minute.

What is Olimpia?

Club Olimpia, generally known as just Olimpia, is one of Paraguayan football’s most important teams. 

It was founded in 1902 by Dutchman William Paats, who is considered the father of Paraguayan football. Based in the city of Asunción, the club functions as a multi-sport institution, with football, rugby and basketball among the sports played.

Olimpia has won a record 48 Primera División titles to date. It is also the only Paraguayan club to win a CONMEBOL title, having lifted the Copa Libertadores on three occasions — 1979, 1990, and 2002. 

In 1979, it was crowned the best side in the world after beating Malmö FF of Sweden in that year’s Intercontinental Cup, following European Cup champions Nottingham Forest’s refusal to play.

Cover Images: New Zealand Football Twitter