In one of the most curious stories ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, New Zealand defender Tim Payne has gone from being virtually unknown on social media to a global viral star.

It all started when Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini searched for the “least known player” among the 32 qualified teams and chose Payne. What began as a fun campaign quickly turned into a phenomenon: in less than 48 hours, the player’s Instagram account jumped from around 4,700 followers to more than 1 million.

The defender for Wellington Phoenix and the All Whites (New Zealand national team) has broken local records. His account is now the most followed of any New Zealand football-related profile, surpassing even captain Chris Wood.

Tim Payne, 32 years old, plays as a right-back and can also perform as a center-back. Developed at Auckland City, he had a spell with Blackburn Rovers in England before returning to Oceania. He currently plays for Wellington Phoenix in the Australian A-League, where he made 14 appearances and provided 5 assists during the 2025/26 season.

Payne has responded to the viral phenomenon with humility and humor. He posted a video in Spanish thanking the massive support and challenged his new followers: if a post reaches 10,000 likes, he will do a special celebration if he scores a goal during the World Cup.

Meanwhile, fans are already chanting the slogan “No Payne, No Gain.” This case highlights the enormous power of social media and how a simple idea can turn an ordinary player into a global icon of the World Cup.