Payne's fame began as a joke. Now his shirt has sparked a bidding war
Just a few months ago, few soccer fans outside New Zealand and Australia knew Tim Payne's name. Now they are bidding thousands of dollars for the jersey off his back.
Tim Payne, a 32-year-old defender from New Zealand, has become a global sensation after his debut for Paraguayan soccer powerhouse Club Olimpia. Before his World Cup appearance, Payne was virtually unknown, boasting only a few thousand Instagram followers. However, after Argentine soccer influencer Valen Scarsini discovered Payne and encouraged his massive following to support him, the soccer player's popularity skyrocketed.
Within days, Payne amassed over 5.4 million followers across various social media platforms. This sudden fame led to his signing with Olimpia on a one-year deal, ending a seven-year stint with Wellington Phoenix. Payne's debut against Asunción club Rubio Ñu in August resulted in a memorable goal and helped the team secure a 5-0 victory.
Now, fans are bidding thousands of dollars for the shirt he wore during the match, marking a surprising turn of events for the once-obscure soccer star. Payne expressed his gratitude for his newfound fans, stating that he wants to donate the jersey to a true Olimpista.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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