TIM PAYNE has sealed a shock transfer during the World Cup after becoming a viral star.
The international shot to fame before the tournament due to a social media stunt by personality ‘elscarso’.
Tim Payne is set to move clubs Credit: Getty
He gained millions of followers on social media after a content creator’s stunt Credit: Getty
The content creator, whose real name is Valen Scarsini, wanted to find the least famous player at the World Cup.
This happened to be Payne, 32, and Scarsini urged his fans and viewers to follow him online.
The defender’s account and now boasts a staggering 5.9million followers.
Payne played 77 minutes in the Kiwis’ 2-2 draw against in their World Cup opener.
He has now sealed a shock transfer despite the tournament still going on.
It has been reported that he will leave Wellington Phoenix and make the move to Paraguayan outfit Olimpia.
has claimed that he has a verbal agreement with the club.
Olimpia is based in the city of Asuncion and is one of the biggest clubs in the country with 48 Primera Division titles.
Payne had been with the Phoenix since 2019 and has racked up 157 appearances.
He has also played for the likes of Eastern Suburbs, Portland Timbers, Auckland City, Waitakere United and .
The defender is not the only player to become an overnight star at the World Cup.
goalkeeper Vozinha had gained MILLIONS of followers after he kept a .
The 40-year-old now has following his heroics.
The veteran broke down in tears after the full-time whistle as his side held on to a famous draw.
Payne has almost THREE times as many followers as (2million) and (1.7million) and almost as many as (6.4million).
And with the count growing by tens of thousands per hour, there is no telling who else he might eclipse.
In his latest video, Scarsini revealed that Payne – scouring the internet to find out why his audience had suddenly exploded – contacted him to say thanks.
The message said: “Was wondering why my socials were blowing up and found your post, man. Appreciate the love! Gracias, hermano.”
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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