Wellington Phoenix fullback Tim Payne has had an unforgettable week, seeing his following on Instagram grow from four thousand to almost five million.
His newfound fame came after Argentine content creator El Scarso identified him as the “least-known” player at the FIFA World Cup and encouraged fans to get behind him.
So, here’s a brief rundown of Payne’s footballing career.
His newfound fame came after Argentine content creator El Scarso identified him as the “least-known” player at the FIFA World Cup and encouraged fans to get behind him.
So, here’s a brief rundown of Payne’s footballing career.
Tim Payne joined the Wellington Phoenix in 2019 and he is on the verge of becoming just the seventh player to play 150 A-League matches for the club.
Payne, 32, started his youth career with Auckland City FC before signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with then Premier League club Blackburn Rovers in 2012.
After more than 30 age-group appearances for Blackburn, he returned home briefly before joining Portland Timbers 2 in 2015. Payne played one season in the U.S. and has been based in New Zealand since.
Before he joined the Phoenix he spent three seasons playing for Eastern Suburbs and captained the Lily Whites to their first national title since 1971.
Payne was a regular at right back in his first A-League season, helping the club to its then highest regular season finish of third.
He started all 26 Phoenix matches in the 2020-21 season, leading the squad in minutes played. As the result of an injury to Luke DeVere, Payne played the majority of his games at centre back.
Payne again spent the majority of the 2021-22 campaign deputising at the heart of defence. Just eight of his 24 starts were at right back, with the Phoenix unbeaten in six of those games.
In February 2022, he re-signed with the club through until the end of the 2024-25 season.
He continued as a key player in the 2022-23 season, beginning at right back before moving back into a central defensive position.
Payne enjoyed his best campaign as a professional in 2023-24, ending the A-League with three goals, four assists and a place in the PFA men’s team of the season. His first goal was the first of his A-League career and came in his 93rd game.
Injuries limited his involvement in his sixth season with the Wellington Phoenix.
He missed six matches, including four in January and played his fewest minutes since the 2019-20 campaign.
Payne signed a three-year contract extension with the Phoenix in December 2024, tying him to the club until 2028.
He suffered a broken collarbone in just the second round of the 2025-26 season and missed nine matches.
Payne was also sidelined with a hamstring injury for three games but still registered five assists in his 14 appearances, including setting up both goals in the 2-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in Christchurch in April.
He has played 149 A-League matches for the Phoenix over the past seven seasons. Only six players, including club captain Alex Rufer, have played more games for the club.
Despite the injury setbacks, Payne has been the All Whites’ first choice right back for the past two years and played a major role in helping New Zealand qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He has played more than 50 senior internationals since making his debut in 2012 and has also represented New Zealand at under-17 and under-20 world cups, and at the London Olympics.
Get To Know Your Nix – Tim Payne
Nickname: Payney
Who’s your best mate at the club? Alex Rufer
What’s your favourite football memory? Qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2026
What’s the best ground that you’ve played at and why? Old Trafford. No explanation necessary!
What’s the worst ground you’ve played at and why? At Bury F.C.’s reserves. It was a paddock in the middle of nowhere
Footballing hero: Steven Gerrard
Who is the best player you’ve played with or against? I’ve played against a lot of top players, but Neymar stands out
What is your favourite place to visit in Wellington? Royal Wellington Golf Club
Do you like dogs or cats? Dogs
If you could be an animal what would you be and why? An eagle because everyone else has probably said lion!
What’s your favourite lolly? Anything sour
