Tim Payne’s fame began as an internet joke. Now his shirt has sparked a bidding war

New Zealand soccer player Tim Payne has become the subject of a significant bidding war for his match-worn debut jersey with the Paraguayan club Olimpia. The auction follows a rapid rise in public profile for the athlete, who was largely unknown to international audiences outside of his home country only months ago.

Payne’s recent surge in notoriety originated from his status as a recurring internet joke. The high-value interest in his kit marks a notable shift in his professional trajectory, transitioning from online meme culture to a tangible market demand for his game-worn memorabilia in Asuncion.