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World Cup 2026 | Tim Payne: The footballer's meteoric rise on social media as the 'least known'
🇵🇦 Panama /Sports

World Cup 2026 | Tim Payne: The footballer's meteoric rise on social media as the 'least known'

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • New Zealand footballer Tim Payne's social media fame exploded after an influencer called him the "least known" World Cup player.
  • Argentine social media star Valen Scarsini encouraged followers to boost Payne's Instagram, leading to a surge from 4,000 to 4 million followers.
  • Payne, 32, is handling his newfound celebrity well, according to coach Darren Bazeley, and has gained more Instagram followers than New Zealand's national rugby team, the All Blacks.

Sidney, Australia – New Zealand footballer Tim Payne has experienced a meteoric rise in online fame, transforming from a relatively unknown player to an internet sensation. The catalyst was Argentine social media influencer Valen Scarsini, known as "El Scarso," who dubbed Payne the "least known" footballer at the World Cup and urged his followers to boost the player's Instagram account.

By the moment, I see that he is handling it very well, probably better than what others would do.

— Darren BazeleyNew Zealand coach Darren Bazeley commenting on Tim Payne's reaction to his sudden fame.

What followed was an unprecedented surge in popularity. Payne, who previously had a modest following of around 4,000 Instagram users, saw his follower count skyrocket to four million within a week. This dramatic increase has made him a significant topic of conversation within the New Zealand national team's camp.

Despite the sudden fame, Payne, a 32-year-old defender for Wellington Phoenix, is reportedly handling the attention with remarkable composure. New Zealand's coach, Darren Bazeley, commented that Payne is managing the situation "very well, probably better than others would." Bazeley added that the spotlight on Payne is "really great" and likely unexpected by the player himself.

Putting Tim in the spotlight like this is really great and probably wasn't something that he, or anyone, expected.

— Darren BazeleyCoach Darren Bazeley on the unexpected attention Tim Payne has received.

Payne's newfound celebrity status has even surpassed that of New Zealand's beloved All Blacks rugby team in terms of Instagram followers. With over four million followers, Payne now boasts more than the national rugby squad, a testament to the viral nature of his unexpected fame. The player described the experience as "crazy" and has not ruled out meeting the influencer who propelled him into the global spotlight. Scarsini has announced plans to attend New Zealand's friendly match against Haiti in Florida to meet Payne.

Guys, tomorrow is the day. We are going to see Tim's game against Haiti and then we are going to meet him. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.

— Valen ScarsiniArgentine influencer Valen Scarsini announcing his plans to meet Tim Payne.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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