New Zealand defender Tim Payne has signed a one‑year contract with Club Olimpia in Paraguay after a viral social‑media surge pushed his following from 4,700 to 5.8 million. Influencer El Scarso spotlighted him as the World Cup player with the smallest following, sparking interest from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Mexico.

Payne, who logged 149 games over seven seasons with Wellington Phoenix, said the move felt hard yet exciting. He wants to test himself in South American competition, citing the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana as top‑tier stages. Olimpia, fresh from its 48th Copa de Primera Apertura title, is a historic club with passionate fans.

Payne thanked fans and teammates for supporting his World Cup journey, noting that without their backing he would not be representing New Zealand at the tournament’s pinnacle. The signing bolsters Olimpia’s squad for the upcoming season and injects a New Zealand flair into the club’s quest for continental glory.

With the transfer, Payne joins a roster that already features seasoned South American talent. His arrival coincides with Olimpia’s preparations for the Copa Libertadores group stage, where the club aims to reassert its dominance after a decade‑long drought. Fans in both Paraguay and New Zealand will watch closely as Payne adapts to a faster, more physical league.