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Footballer's Followers Explode: 5.7 Million Instagram Fans!
16 Jun
Summary
- Tim Payne's Instagram followers surged from under 5,000 to 5.7 million.
- An Argentinian influencer initiated the viral social media campaign for Payne.
- Payne plays for New Zealand's national team and Wellington Phoenix.
New Zealand footballer Tim Payne has seen his social media following skyrocket, gaining millions of followers in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Payne's Instagram presence exploded from just over 4,700 followers to an astonishing 5.7 million.
This dramatic increase was initiated by Argentinian influencer El Scarso (Valen Scarsini), who identified Payne as the "least-known player" in the tournament. Other influencers quickly followed suit, amplifying Payne's visibility.
Payne, a 32-year-old defensive player, currently plays club football for Wellington Phoenix in Australia's A-League and has earned over 50 caps for the New Zealand national team. He has acknowledged the social media whirlwind with gratitude.
As New Zealand enters the World Cup as underdogs, Payne's sudden fame might inspire the squad. He is now preparing to compete on the pitch and contribute to his team's performance.
