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When an Argentine commentator called New Zealand defender Tim Payne the “least known player” at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, millions of soccer fans took it as a personal affront and acted on Payne’s behalf.
Payne has seen his Instagram following grow from less than 5,000 to more than 5 million since social media personality “El Scarso” named him the tournament’s least known player at the end of May. However, the two have patched things up since then, with Payne facing El Scarso earlier in June. Payne even gave El Scarso a set and thanked him for the attention he’s received in a social media post.
“The last week has been a crazy ride but thanks to @elscarso for everything he has done for myself, my family and NZ football,” Payne wrote. “Nice to meet you in person today mate.”
So, as Payne has quickly become one of the most followed players at the World Cup, here’s what you should know about the New Zealand defender.
Why was Tim Payne called ‘least known?’
El Scarso’s comment about Payne might actually have come from a good place. Ahead of the World Cup, El Scarso said he wanted to find a player who would “unite us all.” To find that player, El Scarso said he scoured the social media accounts of every player slated to play in the World Cup and tried to figure out which one had the fewest followers.
“After analyzing them one by one, I found him. In Group G, in New Zealand, there is Tim Payne,” said El Scarso. “He really is the least known. He doesn’t even have 5,000 followers!”
How did Tim Payne react to the comment?
A few days after El Scarso’s initial comment, Payne thanked the influencer in an Instagram post.
“It’s been a crazy 48 hours to say the least,” Payne said. “I just wanted to also express that I am very grateful.”
How long has Tim Payne played for New Zealand?
Payne played his first international for New Zealand’s senior team in 2012, but he hasn’t been a mainstay in that time. The 32-year-old from Auckland, New Zealand, has 52 career caps for his country ahead of New Zealand’s 2026 World Cup opener against Iran on Monday.
Payne also has three goals during that span. His latest goal came in New Zealand’s 7-0 win over Fiji in World Cup qualifying, where he added three assists.
Which club team is Tim Payne on?
Payne has been a member of Wellington Phoenix in Australia’s A-League Men since 2019, recording 143 caps and four goals during his time with the team. He is currently under contract through the 2027-28 season.
Prior to joining Wellington Phoenix, Payne played for Eastern Suburbs AFC in New Zealand’s Northern League from 2016-19. He also had a one-year stint with the Portland Timbers’ reserve team in 2015-16.
Where is Tim Payne among the most followed accounts?
Payne’s 5.8 million Instagram followers as of Tuesday afternoon is a pretty impressive number. However, that number lags well behind some of the most followed accounts in football. Cristiano Ronaldo is the most followed soccer player on Instagram with 666 million followers as of Monday. Lionel Messi has 506 million followers.
Still, Payne has become a household name among football fans online and in New Zealand. He is among the most followed Kiwis on Instagram. His 5.7 million followers are not far behind singer Lorde (11 million) as he continues to make an impact.
