Tim Payne’s fame began as an internet joke. Now his shirt has sparked a bidding war

In the unlikely rise of Tim Payne, a 32-year-old defender, his internet fame began as a joke. With just over 4,000 Instagram followers, Payne entered the World Cup and soon became a social media sensation. Before representing New Zealand at the World Cup, he spent most of his career out of the limelight, playing for low-profile clubs in New Zealand and Australia, and one year in England’s Blackburn Rovers, but never made a major appearance due to work-permit issues.

Argentine soccer influencer Valen Scarsini, known as El Scarso, sought out the World Cup's "least-known soccer player" and persuaded his 2 million followers to support Payne, causing his following to skyrocket to over 5.4 million. This surge in online fame led to Payne signing with Paraguay's national club champion Olimpia on a one-year deal in June, ending his seven-year stint with Wellington Phoenix in the Australian A-League.

Payne's debut for Olimpia against Asunción club Rubio Ñu on August 2, where he scored minutes after coming off the bench, helped to secure the leading offer for his match-worn jersey, which has climbed above 21 million guarani, equivalent to around $3,270. Payne expressed his gratitude for the shirt in a video launching the auction, stating his desire to give it to a true Olimpista fan.