Na this is the I AM HOPE charity shirt worn 6th November 2022 during our 4-1 win over Macarthur. The Wollongong was this red one!
AucklandPhoenix wrote:
He better have a ripper against Iran
On form I don't think he should start.
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https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/31771/12476234/transfer-centre-live-football-transfer-news-updates-and-rumours?postid=11876083#liveblog-body
Latest from Sky Sports News' Anthony Joseph:
Latest from Sky Sports News' Anthony Joseph:
Club Olimpia are closing in on the signing of New Zealand World Cup star Tim Payne.
Payne, 32, became an overnight internet sensation earlier this month, when Argentinian influencer El Scarso went on the lookout for the least famous player at the World Cup.
Payne went from 4,715 Instagram followers to 5.6m in the space of a few hours.
It’s understood the Paraguayan club have agreed a deal with Wellington Phoenix for the right-back.
The former Blackburn Rovers defender starred in New Zealand’s 2-2 draw with Iran on Tuesday.
Peoples Republik of Aucklandia
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He'll get to play in 2027 Copa Libertadores if this deal happens. That will be a hell on experience if he goes to some of those big Argentinian & Brazilian clubs.
Rojas can give him some advice. He played in that comp with his Chilean club Colo Colo.
Wiki & the Paraguay league
Torneo Apertura
Rojas can give him some advice. He played in that comp with his Chilean club Colo Colo.
Wiki & the Paraguay league
Torneo Apertura
The Torneo Apertura was the 133rd official División de Honor championship and the first tournament of the 2026 season. It began on 23 January and ended on 24 May 2026. The champions, Olimpia, qualified for the 2027 Copa Libertadores group stage.
Wiki page for Olimpia shows a 100% Sth American squad. So he will need to improve those mewchewgrassis's. His Costa Rican partner may have to sit in on team sessions.
Though the squad includes 5 Uruguayans, and based on my limited experience 1 or 2 of them will know some Ingles.
Some potentially essential reading for Tim.
Asunción is generally safe by Latin American standards, requiring a "high degree of caution" due to the threat of violent and petty crime. Violent assaults, pickpocketing, and scams occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Avoid walking alone at night and strictly steer clear of high-risk neighborhoods.
Wiki page for Olimpia shows a 100% Sth American squad. So he will need to improve those mewchewgrassis's. His Costa Rican partner may have to sit in on team sessions.
Though the squad includes 5 Uruguayans, and based on my limited experience 1 or 2 of them will know some Ingles.
Some potentially essential reading for Tim.
Asunción is generally safe by Latin American standards, requiring a "high degree of caution" due to the threat of violent and petty crime. Violent assaults, pickpocketing, and scams occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Avoid walking alone at night and strictly steer clear of high-risk neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Safety
- Safe Areas: Upscale and expat-heavy neighborhoods like Villa Morra, Las Lomas, and Las Mercedes are relatively safe and feature gated areas or private security.
- Avoid: Strictly avoid the Chacarita slum, unlit riverbank areas, and the Casco Histórico (Historic Downtown) after dark. Downtown is safe to visit during the day (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM) if you keep valuables hidden.
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The Paraguayan league sucks & it’s probably a step down from A League in terms of facilities & imports..
Olimpia are a big fish in a small ocean though.. but expect him to have a change of coaches often (in 2021, they went through 5 coaches alone).. Their rivarly against Carro Porteno gets very very tense and often fan violence ensures, and games are often marked by police & fan violence… If he think the NZ derby is heated, the Classico of Paraguay is almost a different sport.
The actual league can be described as uncompromising and rigid.. The main tactic is to give it to your best attacking player who will do all the play, and defenders role is to kick the Jesus out of them basically… Most good Paraguayan players actually come from the Argentina league system and many move south of the border at a young age.
All the best to him, he’s in for a wild ride.
Olimpia are a big fish in a small ocean though.. but expect him to have a change of coaches often (in 2021, they went through 5 coaches alone).. Their rivarly against Carro Porteno gets very very tense and often fan violence ensures, and games are often marked by police & fan violence… If he think the NZ derby is heated, the Classico of Paraguay is almost a different sport.
The actual league can be described as uncompromising and rigid.. The main tactic is to give it to your best attacking player who will do all the play, and defenders role is to kick the Jesus out of them basically… Most good Paraguayan players actually come from the Argentina league system and many move south of the border at a young age.
All the best to him, he’s in for a wild ride.
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Show us how weird the world is. Tim Payne isn’t on the radar of any of these clubs, but because an influencer gets his fans to follow Payne on Instagram suddenly he’s popular. His playing ability hasn’t changed at all.
I’m not sure why he would leave the Nix and his comfort and security there for “an adventure” in South America which I’m pretty sure will be fraught and he will hardly be heard of again.
I’m not sure why he would leave the Nix and his comfort and security there for “an adventure” in South America which I’m pretty sure will be fraught and he will hardly be heard of again.
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Yeah if the money is double what he’s on at the Nix or similar why not. An increased chance to monetise his new Insta fame actually being in Sth America??
Copa Libertardores and playing likes of Boca Juniors etc
He’s 32. He’s ticked the WC box. He won’t be at the next one.
Why not an adventure before your career finishes. Good chance for your kid to learn their mother’s tongue in a total Spanish speaking environment
To be honest from afar, last season at the Nix he seemed to be struggling a bit for motivation. Lots of flat performances
Copa Libertardores and playing likes of Boca Juniors etc
He’s 32. He’s ticked the WC box. He won’t be at the next one.
Why not an adventure before your career finishes. Good chance for your kid to learn their mother’s tongue in a total Spanish speaking environment
To be honest from afar, last season at the Nix he seemed to be struggling a bit for motivation. Lots of flat performances
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Hard to know what to think of this. Opta have the league far higher than the A-League, Olimpia won the Apertura easily, and topped their CONMEBOL Sudamericana which featured BRA, ARG and CHI sides.
On the other hand, their starting RB is 35 in a couple of months.
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Watch DD blame Auckland for his transfer /s. a shame that the club did nothing much really to capatalise on his popularity.
Even NZ Football are selling Payne 2 shirts.
Even NZ Football are selling Payne 2 shirts.
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observerfromuh wrote:
Watch DD blame Auckland for his transfer /s. a shame that the club did nothing much really to capatalise on his popularity.
Even NZ Football are selling Payne 2 shirts.
WTF are you on?
why would Dome blame Auckland for anything to do with Payne's current fame?
you are delulu!
why would Dome blame Auckland for anything to do with Payne's current fame?
you are delulu!
Queenslander 3x a year.
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observerfromuh wrote:
Watch DD blame Auckland for his transfer /s. a shame that the club did nothing much really to capatalise on his popularity.
Even NZ Football are selling Payne 2 shirts.
The club has been selling 'Payne 6' shirts on the club shop website for the past few weeks (It's also the first item that comes up in the shop) since this blew up - and have posted about the shirts for sale a few times on their socials
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theprof wrote:observerfromuh wrote:WTF are you on?
Watch DD blame Auckland for his transfer /s. a shame that the club did nothing much really to capatalise on his popularity.
Even NZ Football are selling Payne 2 shirts.
why would Dome blame Auckland for anything to do with Payne's current fame?
you are delulu!
I did post /s being sarcastic.
Sorry wasn't aware about the Payne 6 shirts too. I'll own that one.
Sorry wasn't aware about the Payne 6 shirts too. I'll own that one.
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2ndBest wrote:
Hard to know what to think of this. Opta have the league far higher than the A-League, Olimpia won the Apertura easily, and topped their CONMEBOL Sudamericana which featured BRA, ARG and CHI sides.
On the other hand, their starting RB is 35 in a couple of months.
Folks are too focussed on the football only, side of this potential move.
Not that playing in the Copa Libertadores is to be sneezed at.
This is as much about having an adventure plus trying to cash in on his new found fame, and have some fun along the way.
It's a bit like that Bill Murray character in the excellent 'Lost in Translation'. Selling whiskey in Tokyo, being invited onto those ridiculous (to us) Japanese talk shows. You cash in on your fame why you can, and just run with it.
If Tim P does sign for Olimpia, expect to see him to pop up in a series of Paraguayan fash food TV adverts, promoting the country's finest 'pollo asado con patatas fritas'. And that No Payne, No Gain signoff.
Costa Rican Mrs Payne helping out the gringo boy with ordering his food.
Again Payne is 32, and he has just reached his career pinnacle playing at a World Cup. He's highly unlikely to be NZ's RB in 4 years. It will be a failing if he is.
So do you just meander along playing in the A League, and for your national team in endless friendlies, or try something completely different. It could be a lifetime regret, if he didn't at least give it a go. High chance yes he is back in NZ after 12 months, but hey what a cool experience to have with his Latino partner and child.
Not that playing in the Copa Libertadores is to be sneezed at.
This is as much about having an adventure plus trying to cash in on his new found fame, and have some fun along the way.
It's a bit like that Bill Murray character in the excellent 'Lost in Translation'. Selling whiskey in Tokyo, being invited onto those ridiculous (to us) Japanese talk shows. You cash in on your fame why you can, and just run with it.
If Tim P does sign for Olimpia, expect to see him to pop up in a series of Paraguayan fash food TV adverts, promoting the country's finest 'pollo asado con patatas fritas'. And that No Payne, No Gain signoff.
Costa Rican Mrs Payne helping out the gringo boy with ordering his food.
Again Payne is 32, and he has just reached his career pinnacle playing at a World Cup. He's highly unlikely to be NZ's RB in 4 years. It will be a failing if he is.
So do you just meander along playing in the A League, and for your national team in endless friendlies, or try something completely different. It could be a lifetime regret, if he didn't at least give it a go. High chance yes he is back in NZ after 12 months, but hey what a cool experience to have with his Latino partner and child.
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https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360993263/here-we-go-viral-all-white-tim-payne-linked-paraguay-move
Payne had never heard of a community manager until three weeks ago. Now he has one helping run his social media accounts after becoming one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup.
Payne had never heard of a community manager until three weeks ago. Now he has one helping run his social media accounts after becoming one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup.
While All Whites captain Chris Wood featured on billboards outside SoFi Stadium, Payne was the player many neutrals came to see when New Zealand opened their World Cup campaign with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Iran in Los Angeles.
Outside the stadium, a Mexican father and son queued in customised Tim Payne shirts featuring the Phoenix defender’s face on the back and the slogan “No Payne, No Gain” on the front.
When Eli Just fronted reporters after scoring both of the All Whites’ goals in a record-breaking individual performance, a journalist from El Salvador asked whether Payne would be joining him, eager to speak to New Zealand’s viral sensation.
After politely declining a string of requests from international media as he made his way through the mixed zone, Payne stopped to speak with New Zealand reporters and offered fresh insight into his new life.
“It’s probably come at the right time. I’m 32 years-old, I’ve matured a lot over the years and I think I have the capabilities to deal with something like this,” Payne said.
“I’m just trying to focus on my football. I’ve got people now in place who are helping me out and helping me navigate it. It’s a very new world to me. I’m very much learning, processing it all and trying to make the right decisions.”
When he left for the United States, Payne had fewer than 4000 Instagram followers. Now he has 5.8 million.
It’s all thanks to El Scarso, who identified Payne as the least-followed player at the World Cup and urged his audience to boost his profile.
Since then, Payne’s following has skyrocketed, New Zealand Football and Wellington Phoenix have been flooded with interview requests.
While he has embraced the attention, Payne said he has enlisted extra support to manage the sudden spotlight and allow him to focus on football.
“I don’t think I ever dreamed about this support. I dreamed about this world stage, of representing my country at a World Cup and playing at the highest level possible, but that’s my main focus,” Payne said.
“All the support has been overwhelmingly positive, which is a beautiful thing. My life hasn’t changed with regards to who I am. I’m just trying to focus on my football here with the All Whites and put my best foot forward in performance.”
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A new club to follow. They posted this before kick off yesterday.
https://x.com/i/status/2066675208556077218
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I’m torn between wanting that backline to power ahead, and knowing RBs are more plentiful than LBs and Sheridan and Loke are already at the club.
I hope this is a great experience for Payney and he comes back with at least a 300% increase in his Spanish vocabulary.
Plus we can parasocial follow him as hipster originals!
I hope this is a great experience for Payney and he comes back with at least a 300% increase in his Spanish vocabulary.
Plus we can parasocial follow him as hipster originals!
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Some of us will be able to tell our grandchilden that we were one of the original 5000.
Valley FC til I die?
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+5
+5
The world has gone mad when a sportsman gets signed not because of his ability but his social media following. Glad Tim is milking it for what he can but for me its nuts, especially on the back of probably one of his worst Nix seasons.
GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS
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just goes to show that form is not everything, a little bit of who you know or inthis case who deosnt know you, goes a long way.
everyone, even the big football clubs love to be associated with the next big social media icon, even if it is just to sell merch,.
everyone, even the big football clubs love to be associated with the next big social media icon, even if it is just to sell merch,.
Queenslander 3x a year.
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ballane wrote:
The world has gone mad when a sportsman gets signed not because of his ability but his social media following. Glad Tim is milking it for what he can but for me its nuts, especially on the back of probably one of his worst Nix seasons.
There used to be a centralised marquee fund in the AL - bring in popular players from overseas. MV wanted to use it bring Diamanti to the league, was rejected as not popular enough - I think it was a season later he signs with WU and wins the Johnny Warren medal.
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The Mariners wanted to sign up Usain Bolt. At least Timmy is a pro footballer.
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ballane wrote:
The world has gone mad when a sportsman gets signed not because of his ability but his social media following. Glad Tim is milking it for what he can but for me its nuts, especially on the back of probably one of his worst Nix seasons.
I mean his ability will certainly have been a key factor, the 5 million followers have just significantly boosted his profile.
They’d be signing Mr Beast if followers were the only factor
They’d be signing Mr Beast if followers were the only factor
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ballane wrote:
The world has gone mad when a sportsman gets signed not because of his ability but his social media following. Glad Tim is milking it for what he can but for me its nuts, especially on the back of probably one of his worst Nix seasons.
Tbf it does happen a lot with players that have cult followings in their home countries to drive shirt sales and viewership from those countries. Its like that Indoenesian guy Brisbane signed last season don't think he played many games or contributed that much but definitely boosted their socials and maybe some shirt sales?
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He's been a workhorse, had some good moments but for the most part I don't think he's been outstanding. Although I do always appreciate players who are consistent, show loyalty and give everything for the club. He's been a player like that but happy to see a younger player (hopefully we've got a good replacement at the academy) take his place
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Has the fee and/or wages been mentioned anywhere? Labelling it 'life changing' is intriguing.
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His partner can speak Spanish so she will steer him along ok. Thanks Tim for at least giving your best. Loved watching you going forward on the pitch.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
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Social media in Argentina and other parts of South America pretty much making fun of Olimpia over this & most see it as a clout move more then anything.. Ironically, when his following exploded, a lot of comments were full of praise of him in terms of his talent and after the Haiti game (it was shown live on Argentina free to air TV such was his hype) comments about his ability quickly soured and the he was called "pierna de madera" which means "Leg of wood" - basically an humerous insult to say a player with limited technical ability..
Social media posts in Latin America are still posting about him, but the mood seems to have changed, with many questioning why he was followed so highly in the first place & many calling the trend as boring now.. So for all its worth, many Olimpia fans are not happy about this, as they see as getting him for social media and engagement clout more then his footballing abilities.. At the same time, they let go of a fav favourite recently too.
Good luck Tim! South America is a crazy place at times, even crazier when its comes to futbol.
Social media posts in Latin America are still posting about him, but the mood seems to have changed, with many questioning why he was followed so highly in the first place & many calling the trend as boring now.. So for all its worth, many Olimpia fans are not happy about this, as they see as getting him for social media and engagement clout more then his footballing abilities.. At the same time, they let go of a fav favourite recently too.
Good luck Tim! South America is a crazy place at times, even crazier when its comes to futbol.
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imanixsupporter wrote:
It'd be a negligible/token fee. A team that wants Tim Payne is not going to have the money to pay a substantial transfer fee.
I think the Nix wouldnt stand in his way if he is keen to have the adventure. Because Tim has been massively injury prone in recent seasons and is one of our highest paid players, and we have Sheridan & Loke waiting in the wings. We could probably entice Kirwan back from Italy if we wanted a more experienced replacement too.
If it is a token $500K, great bit of business for the Nix.
I bet the club's accountant never saw this little windfill coming a few months ago when doing their financial forecasting budgets!
Big chance for Sheridan to now step up, after a few seasons playing various roles.
The AWs starting RB position wide open for the next WC cycle, if he's good enough.
Loke to yes push him, though he needs to get a lot stronger to be an ALM regular.
And as I mentioned earlier this is far more than just a football move for gringo Payne. Nice little adventure for his little family to soak up that Latino culture. Hopefully he stays fit, plays well and wins over those Olimpia hinchas.
My punt is he'll be the clumsy gringo in a Paraguayan fast food commercial, Mrs Payne saving the day. I'm sure the Olimpia marketing staf are throwing ideas around as we speak.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360994929/wellington-phoenix-accept-fee-tim-payne-paraguay-move
All Whites defender Tim Payne has secured a “life-changing” move to South America on the back of his viral World Cup fame.
Wellington Phoenix have accepted an undisclosed transfer fee from 48-time Paraguayan champions Club Olimpia for the 32-year-old right back.
The transfer is subject to Payne completing a medical after the World Cup, with the fee believed to be in the vicinity of $500,000.
“Club Olimpia is one of the biggest clubs in South America, with an incredible history, passionate supporters and ambitions that match its stature, and I am looking forward to rising to that challenge,” Payne said.
I bet the club's accountant never saw this little windfill coming a few months ago when doing their financial forecasting budgets!
Big chance for Sheridan to now step up, after a few seasons playing various roles.
The AWs starting RB position wide open for the next WC cycle, if he's good enough.
Loke to yes push him, though he needs to get a lot stronger to be an ALM regular.
And as I mentioned earlier this is far more than just a football move for gringo Payne. Nice little adventure for his little family to soak up that Latino culture. Hopefully he stays fit, plays well and wins over those Olimpia hinchas.
My punt is he'll be the clumsy gringo in a Paraguayan fast food commercial, Mrs Payne saving the day. I'm sure the Olimpia marketing staf are throwing ideas around as we speak.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360994929/wellington-phoenix-accept-fee-tim-payne-paraguay-move
All Whites defender Tim Payne has secured a “life-changing” move to South America on the back of his viral World Cup fame.
Wellington Phoenix have accepted an undisclosed transfer fee from 48-time Paraguayan champions Club Olimpia for the 32-year-old right back.
The transfer is subject to Payne completing a medical after the World Cup, with the fee believed to be in the vicinity of $500,000.
“Club Olimpia is one of the biggest clubs in South America, with an incredible history, passionate supporters and ambitions that match its stature, and I am looking forward to rising to that challenge,” Payne said.
“For our family, this is something really special. My son, growing up speaking Spanish like his mum did, immersing ourselves in her culture and her family's world is what makes this so much more than just a football move.
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