New Zealand defender Tim Payne, who became a social media sensation shortly before representing his country at the World Cup, has signed a one-year contract with Paraguayan club Olimpia, a club source told Reuters on Tuesday (16).
Payne will join the historic South American team following New Zealand’s World Cup campaign, Sky Sports first reported.
Olimpia fueled speculation this Monday (15) by posting a message on Instagram with the New Zealand flag and a flexed biceps emoji, minutes before New Zealand’s debut in Group G against Iran, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The source confirmed that the deal was closed, but did not provide further details.
New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix defender rose to global prominence after Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini launched a social media campaign describing him as the World Cup’s least-known player and encouraging fans to follow him.
Payne’s Instagram following has grown from less than 5,000 before the campaign to around 5.8 million, turning the 32-year-old into one of the tournament’s most unlikely viral stars.
Olimpia, the only three-time Paraguayan champion of the Copa Libertadores, qualified for the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana as leader of Group G and also guaranteed a place in next year’s Libertadores after winning the national championship title.
