New Zealand footballer Tim Payne has become an overnight viral sensation after a social media stunt orchestrated by a South American influencer aimed to identify the World Cup's least-known player. Payne, a defender for A-League side Wellington Phoenix, has seen his Instagram account skyrocket from fewer than 5,000 followers to 1.7 million and counting by Friday afternoon, thanks to the efforts of Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini.
How the Viral Stunt Unfolded
Scarsini, known online as 'elscarso', shared a video encouraging his followers to promote Payne's account ahead of the World Cup. 'I looked at all the teams that play the World Cup for the least-known player and, after analyzing one by one, I found it,' Scarsini said in a video that quickly went viral on Instagram and TikTok. 'In Group G, in New Zealand, there is Tim Payne. He really is the least known. He doesn't even have 5,000 followers! What needs to be done to be the hero of the World Cup? First, follow Tim Payne. I'm going to tag him. Explode his posts with likes and comments. We need to start naming Tim Payne everywhere.'
Social media responded en masse, with Payne's follower count surpassing that of Kiwi captain and Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood, as well as Scarsini himself, who has 461,000 followers. Scarsini has previously executed similar viral campaigns, helping FC Balzers, a fifth-division club from Liechtenstein, gain 440,000 followers in a matter of days after a Christmas post on their Instagram account garnered just 15 likes.
Payne's Response to Sudden Fame
Payne has since addressed his newfound fame in a video from New Zealand's pre-World Cup training camp in Florida. 'Just want to say a massive thank you first to you, Valen, it's been a pretty crazy 48 hours to say the least,' he said. 'I just wanted to also express that I'm very grateful to represent my country at this World Cup, and I appreciate all the love from all around the world. Muchas gracias.'
World Cup Campaign Ahead
Payne and his Kiwi teammates will begin their World Cup campaign against Iran on June 15, followed by matches against Egypt on June 21 and Belgium on June 26. The viral stunt has not only boosted Payne's personal profile but also drawn attention to New Zealand's World Cup journey.
