Tim Payne’s story is one of the most unusual in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. The New Zealand defender went from being practically unknown to becoming a global celebrity.
Thanks to a campaign launched by Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini, the New Zealand player went from having 4,000 followers to more than 3 million followers in just 2 days.
It all began when Scarsini proposed finding the “least-known footballer” at the World Cup and getting the internet to turn him into a figure loved by everyone, regardless of nationality.
Tim Payne is now the internet sensation, he is the best-known figure on his national team, now everyone wants to attend his matches at the World Cup, and he has already surpassed the “All Blacks”, the country’s historic rugby team.