A medium-shot, eye-level photograph of New Zealand soccer defender Tim Payne captured during a training session. They have short dark hair and are wearing a black, sleeveless athletic training top. They are shown mid-air in a dynamic, athletic pose, striking a soccer ball with the instep of their right foot. The ball is positioned centrally in the frame, directly in front of their chest. The background is a soft, out-of-focus view of green trees and a pale, overcast sky, suggesting an outdoor sports complex. — New Zealand defender Tim Payne Credit: AllWhites / Facebook

This weekend Tampa soccer fans will have a chance to see soccer’s newest rising social media star.

A few weeks ago the 32-year-old New Zealand defender Tim Payne was nearly unknown, and now his Instagram following has grown by millions.

His rise in popularity comes after Valen Scarsini, an Argentinian influencer (@ elscarso) launched a campaign encouraging fans to follow Payne, who he called the world cup’s “least known” participant.

The push to unite fans of all different nations to cheer for one player quickly snowballed, turning Payne, who started his week with roughly 4,000 followers, into an internet celebrity with over 5 million followers.

England v. New Zealand

Time Sat., June 6, 4 p.m.

Location Raymond James Stadium, 4201 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa

This Saturday, spectators can see the viral sensation in person when New Zealand takes on England at Raymond James Stadium in a World Cup friendly match.

The match also features one of international soccer’s most recognizable teams. England, the team with the third best odds to win the World Cup. Star footballers like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka are using Tampa to warm up for their upcoming group stage matches across the United States.

Yet despite England’s star power and Payne’s exponential rise in social media fame, the game has struggled to attract fans. Both England and Payne have massive popularity among soccer fans, but whether the new online fame translates into ticket sales is another question.

According to the WTVT, only about 13,000 tickets had been sold as of last week, leaving more than 50,000 seats available in Raymond James Stadium. Ticket prices are currently starting around $75, some fans have pointed to both cost and lack of promotion as reasons for the poor sales.

Tickets to see England v. New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Saturday, June 6.

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This article appears in May 28 – June 03, 2026.