New Zealand defender Tim Payne arrives in Paraguay to join Olimpia

New Zealand defender Tim Payne arrived in Paraguay on Sunday to join the ranks of Olimpia, a club managed by Argentine Pablo "Vitamina" Sánchez. Payne, who played in the 2026 World Cup, comes from the Australian league's Wellington Phoenix. He joins the three-time Copa Libertadores winner, which has qualified for the 2026 Sudamericana round of 16, where it awaits a rival between Vasco da Gama and Independiente Medellín.

Payne's signing is also part of a strategy to strengthen Olimpia's brand globally, according to president Rodrigo Nogués. Nogués confirmed an 18-month contract with an option to extend for another year. Payne, born in Auckland in 1994, typically plays as a right-back but can also play as a center-back. He debuted for the national team at just 18 years old.

His fame grew after he was recognized as the most unknown player of the World Cup, leading to a social media campaign in his favor and a surge in followers. The media-savvy defender's arrival is expected to boost the club's international profile.

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The signing of Payne is also part of a strategy to strengthen Olimpia's brand globally.