New Zealand defender Tim Payne has become an unlikely social media superstar, gaining over one million Instagram followers in just two days after being singled out by an Argentine influencer ahead of the World Cup.
How It Happened
El Scarso, a football influencer also known as Valen Scarsini, identified Payne as the least-known player at the World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico based on his small social media following. Payne had around 4,700 followers earlier this week. After being highlighted by El Scarso, that number surged at a rate of nearly 1,000 per minute, reaching more than one million by Friday.
Payne's following now exceeds that of New Zealand's captain and best-known player, Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood, by six times.
Influencer's Call to Action
“There are only a few days left before the World Cup starts and we are all waiting to cheer for our national team, but what if there was a player who united us all, a footballer we all support regardless of their nationality?” Scarsini said. “I searched through all the national teams playing in the World Cup for the least known one and after analysing them one by one I found him. In group G, in New Zealand, there is Tim Payne. He really is the least known. He doesn’t even have 5,000 followers.”
Scarsini, who has more than 500,000 followers, urged his audience to “start mentioning Tim Payne everywhere.” He added, “We have to start making videos feeding the legend of Tim Payne. If you have the World Cup (sticker) album, upload a photo with his sticker. The goal is to see how many people know Tim Payne before the World Cup starts.”
Song and Response
A song supporting Payne has emerged, with a chorus in Spanish that translates to: “I've got his back. I cheer him on. I've been rooting for him from the beginning. Tim Payne, from cradle to grave. You're a crack. I cheer you on, every step.” It concludes with “no Payne, no gain.”
Payne responded on Friday to his newfound fame. “Was wondering why my socials were blowing up and found your post, man,” he said. “Appreciate the love! Gracias, hermano. I just want to say a massive thank you first to you Valen. It’s been a pretty crazy 48 hours to say the least. I just wanted to also express that I’m very grateful to be representing my country and I appreciate all the love from all around the world.”
World Cup Context
New Zealand is playing at the World Cup for the third time, having qualified in 1982 and 2010. The All Whites have yet to win a match at the tournament. They are in Group G with Belgium, Iran, and Egypt.
