Club Olimpia continues to strengthen its squad for the second half of the season and confirmed an addition that has attracted attention inside and outside of Paraguay. The Asunción team made official the signing of Tim Payne, defender of the New Zealand team currently competing in the 2026 World Cup.

The arrival of the experienced full-back represents an international commitment by the Paraguayan club, which seeks to strengthen its squad in the face of the local and international challenges it will face in the coming months.

Olimpia makes the arrival of Tim Payne official

Through their social networks, the Paraguayan team announced the hiring of the New Zealand soccer player with a message that quickly generated an impact among fans.

"New Zealand and Paraguay. From the other side of the world to the most glorious club in Paraguay. Welcome to the dean, Tim," the institution published on its official account.

The operation confirms the reports that had circulated in recent days in the Paraguayan media and makes Payne one of the most striking reinforcements in the South American market.

In addition to the oceanic defender, Olimpia also announced the incorporation of Argentine forward Braian Romero, reinforcing two key areas of the squad.

Tim Payne's reaction after signing with Olimpia

The footballer did not take long to speak out after his arrival to the fringed team became official.

“As a footballer, you always want to compete at the highest level, having the opportunity to play for Olimpia, the biggest club in Paraguay, is a great challenge and I can't wait,” said Payne in a video shared on his social networks.

The defender also highlighted the impact that this new stage will have both professionally and personally.

He previously described the transfer as “a great decision” for his family and for his sports career.

“I'm ready,” the player concluded in Spanish.

Who is Tim Payne, Olimpia's new reinforcement?

Timothy John Payne, born in Auckland in 1994, began his training at Auckland City before making the leap to European football.

His career continued in England, where he came through the youth ranks of Blackburn Rovers and made appearances for the first team.

He later had experience in the United States before returning to Oceania, where he found stability in the Wellington Phoenix, a team that competes in the A-League, the highest category of Australian football.

He usually plays as a right back, although he can also play as a central defender, a versatility that could be valuable for the Olimpia coaching staff.

World Cup 2026: Payne arrives in Paraguay in full participation with New Zealand

The contract acquires additional interest because it occurs while the player participates in the 2026 World Cup with the New Zealand team.

The defender started in the 2-2 draw against Iran during his team's World Cup debut and played 78 minutes in the match.

In addition to his presence at the World Cup, Payne recently gained notoriety on social networks after becoming the protagonist of a trend promoted by a content creator, a situation that significantly increased his popularity internationally.

Olimpia thinks about the South American Cup

Payne's arrival is part of the club's strategy to strengthen a squad that continues to compete at the continental level.

Currently, Olimpia is classified for the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana and hopes to meet its next rival, who will emerge from the playoff series between Vasco da Gama and Deportivo Independiente Medellín.

With international experience, World Cup presence and the ability to perform in different defensive positions, Tim Payne becomes one of the most interesting bets for the Paraguayan team to face a season in which they will seek prominence both in Paraguay and in South America.