Mediatic footballer Tim Payne arrives in Paraguay to join Olimpia

Footballer Tim Payne, a prominent defender who represented New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup, has arrived in Paraguay to officially join the ranks of the club Olimpia. Local media reported his arrival on Sunday, with videos circulating of the player greeting fans at the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, which serves Asunción.

Payne will join the squad managed by Argentine coach Pablo 'Vitamina' Sánchez. His move to Olimpia follows his participation in all three group stage matches for New Zealand in the World Cup, where the team ultimately exited the tournament. Payne previously played for Wellington Phoenix in the Australian league.

Olimpia, a club with three Copa Libertadores titles, is currently competing in the Copa Sudamericana and has advanced to the round of 16. The team is also preparing for the local Clausura tournament, set to begin on July 24. The club confirmed Payne's signing on June 18, with the contract reportedly for 18 months and an option for an additional year.

The transfer is also a strategic move for Olimpia to enhance its global brand presence, according to club president Rodrigo Nogués. Payne, born in Auckland in 1994, typically plays as a right-back but can also operate as a center-back. He debuted for the national team at 18 and has become one of its most experienced players.

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The new Olimpia player Tim Payne is already in the country.