Tim Payne: Unknown New Zealand footballer turned World Cup viral sensation

Published 15 June 2026 · sports

Now to one of the internet's favourite World Cup stories, the rise of New Zealand's Tim Payne. The little-known defender had a very small social

Now to one of the internet's favourite World Cup stories, the rise of New Zealand's Tim Payne. The little-known defender had a very small social media presence, until an influencer in Argentina turned him into a viral sensation. Al Jazeera’s Perry Wilton explains how it all happened. Find us on Check our website Check out our Instagram page Download AJE Mobile App

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