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- Viral Kiwi star scores stunning goal on debut for Olimpia
Viral Kiwi star scores stunning goal on debut for Olimpia
A little more than two months after bursting into the football consciousness when he was the subject of a media campaign from Argentinian influencer Valen Scarsiniom, New Zealand international Tim Payne has gone viral again, but this time, for something on the pitch.
After securing a move from Wellington Phoenix to Paraguay giant Olimpia in June, Payne made his debut, then scored a stunning goal from outside the penalty area, in his side's 5-0 demolition of Rubio Nu.
The Round 3 win is Olimpia's first for the fledgling season and takes it to seventh.
Payne's social media profile exploded in late May when Scarsini decided he was the least known player at the World Cup.
Known as "elscarso" on Instagram and TikTok, Scarsini made a video encouraging his audience to give the Wellington Phoenix and All Whites defender's account likes, comments and follows.
In the space of a couple of days, Payne's Instagram account went from 4,715 followers to 660,000 - outstripping New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, All Blacks rugby star Ardie Savea, and Scarsini.
"Was wondering why my socials were blowing up and found your post, man," Payne said in the message to Scarsini.
"Appreciate the love! Gracias, hermano."
Now Payne is back in the footballing consciousness, but this time for his deeds on the pitch, the 32 year-old making an immediate impression in the Paraguayan top flight.
