Tim Payne has become the most popular footballer in New Zealand thanks to a video from an Argentine influencer.
The All Whites and Wellington Phoenix defender had about 4700 followers a day ago. He now has half a million.
The surge has come from internet personality El Scarso, whose real name is Valen Scarsini, making a video about Payne and trying to make him the “hero” of this year’s Fifa World Cup.
In a video spoken in Spanish that has nearly 4 million views on Instagram and more than 2 million on TikTok, Scarsini said he wanted to make the “least-known footballer” at the tournament famous.
“I looked at all the teams that play the World Cup for the least-known player and, after analysing one by one, I found it,” Scarsini said.
“Within group G, in New Zealand, is Tim Payne.
Argentine influencer El Scarso has helped grow All Whites defender Tim Payne's following by 400,000. Photo / Instagram, Photosport
“He is really the least known. He does not reach 5000 followers.”
The Argentine also pointed to a picture of Payne’s that had 276 likes. After the video was posted, it now has 250,000.
“Tim Payne is a defender and has a very difficult task: help New Zealand win their first World Cup match. They have never won one.
“What needs to be done to be the hero of the World Cup? First, follow Tim Payne. I’m going to tag him.
“Explode his posts with likes and comments. We need to start naming Tim Payne everywhere.
“You have to make videos feeding the legend of Tim Payne. If you have the World Cup album, upload a photo with your sticker.”
Payne’s sudden fame has been supported by several Spanish-speaking personalities, including comedian Javier Ibarreche, who has 12.6 million followers on TikTok, and sports journalist Iker Ruiz del Barco, who has nearly 14 million followers across his social media accounts.
Scarsini appeared surprised at how quickly Payne’s following had grown, posting a follow-up video showing that he had spoken with the All Whites defender on Instagram.
“Was wondering why my socials were blowing up and found your post, man,” Payne said in the message.
All Whites captain Chris Wood has 162,000 followers on Instagram, while the All Whites, the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC all have under 100,000.
Scarsini’s next plan is to give Payne a nickname for his new legion of fans.
“We have to continue giving love to Tim because this is just starting.
“But without a doubt, he is already the player of the tournament.”
Payne was selected in the All Whites’ 26-player squad for the World Cup, with New Zealand’s first game against Iran to kick off at 1pm NZ time on June 16.
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
Get the iHeart App
Get more of the radio, music and podcasts you love with the FREE iHeart app. Scan the QR code to download now.
Download from the app stores
Stream unlimited music, thousands of radio stations and podcasts all in one app. iHeart is easy to use and all FREE
