Paraguayan club Olimpia confirmed on Thursday the signing of high-profile defender Tim Payne, who is currently playing in the World Cup with New Zealand.

IT’S OFFICIAL, HE WILL PLAY IN SOUTH AMERICA

"New Zealand and Paraguay. From the other side of the world to the most glorious club in Paraguay. Welcome to the Dean, Tim," the Asunción-based club posted on X, confirming reports that had been published by local media earlier in the week.

Olimpia is Paraguay’s most successful club and also announced the signing of Argentine forward Braian Romero on the same day. The club from the Paraguayan capital has won three Copa Libertadores titles, the most recent in 2002.

THE PLAYER’S REACTION

Payne reacted immediately to the announcement and described the move as "a great decision" for both his family and his career.

"As a footballer, you always want to compete at the highest level. Having the opportunity to play for Olimpia, the biggest club in Paraguay, is a great challenge and I can’t wait," he said in a video posted on his social media accounts that included Spanish subtitles.

"I’m ready," he concluded in Spanish.

WHERE THEY STAND

This season, Olimpia has qualified for the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16, where it awaits the winner of the playoff tie between Brazilian side Vasco da Gama and Colombian club Deportivo Independiente Medellín.

Payne, who gained millions of followers on social media in the days leading up to the World Cup after a challenge launched by an influencer, made his World Cup debut on Monday in New Zealand’s 2-2 draw with Iran.

The right-back played 78 minutes and committed one foul in the match, without producing any major highlights at either end of the pitch.

A VERSATILE DEFENDER

Born in Auckland in 1994, Timothy John Payne began his development at Auckland City before moving to England, where he came through the youth ranks at Blackburn Rovers and went on to make appearances for the first team.

He later played in the United States before returning to Oceania, where he established himself at Wellington Phoenix, the only New Zealand club competing in the A-League, Australia’s top football division.

Primarily a right-back but also capable of playing as a center-back, Payne made his international debut at just 18 years old and has since become one of the most experienced players in the New Zealand national team setup.

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