From World Cup to dream debut: Tim Payne scores stunner in Olimpia's rout

Tim Payne's arrival at Paraguayan club Olimpia has been met with immediate impact, as the New Zealand defender scored a stunning goal just 13 minutes into his debut. The match, a dominant 5-0 victory over Rubio Ñu in the Clausura tournament, saw Payne net the final goal with a powerful right-footed shot into the top corner.

Payne, who arrived in Asunción directly from the 2026 World Cup, had become an unexpected social media sensation during the tournament. His popularity surged from around 4,000 Instagram followers to over five million after an online campaign went viral. This newfound fame also caught the attention of Olimpia, who signed him on an 18-month contract, seeing his presence as a way to enhance the club's international reach.

The 32-year-old defender's debut was met with enthusiasm from fans, with New Zealand flags visible in the stands and an ovation before he entered the field. His goal not only sealed the decisive win for Olimpia but also provided a much-needed morale boost. The club had suffered losses in their previous Clausura matches, and this victory, coupled with Payne's memorable introduction, sets a positive tone ahead of their Copa Sudamericana knockout stage against Vasco da Gama.