Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Valen Scarsini across Soccer, Football.
In his first competitive match since the 2026 World Cup, Tim Payne netted a stunning one‑touch goal for Club Olimpia, sparking a 3‑0 victory and raising hopes for upcoming friendlies in India.
A look at how five footballers have turned the World Cup into a digital stage, gaining tens of millions of followers in weeks.
When DoorDash mistakenly wished rapper T‑Pain success at the 2026 World Cup, confusing him with little‑known soccer star Tim Payne, the mishap sparked a clever campaign that turned a slip‑up into a celebration of both music and the beautiful game.
After his Instagram following exploded from 4,700 to 5.8 million, Tim Payne signed a one‑year deal with Paraguay’s Club Olimpia, citing excitement for Copa Libertadores competition and gratitude to his supporters.
New Zealand defender Tim Payne’s viral Instagram surge led to a high‑profile move to Paraguay’s Club Olimpia, where he will aim to help the club defend its recent domestic title while competing in the continent’s premier competitions.
After his Instagram following exploded, New Zealand defender Tim Payne signed a one‑year deal with Club Olimpia in Paraguay, expressing gratitude to supporters and eyeing competition in the Copa Libertadores.
From a modest 4,700 followers to nearly 5.8 million, Tim Payne's online presence caught the eye of Club Olimpia, where he signed a one‑year deal and expressed gratitude for the support that propelled his career.
After his Instagram following exploded from 4,700 to 5.8 million, Tim Payne signed a one‑year deal with Club Olimpia, aiming to compete in South America's premier competitions.
After a meteoric rise on Instagram, New Zealand defender Tim Payne has signed a one‑year deal with Club Olimpia in Paraguay, aiming to compete in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana.
After his Instagram following exploded from 4,700 to 5.8 million, Payne signed with Club Olimpia in Paraguay, citing gratitude to fans and excitement for continental competition.
After his Instagram following exploded from 4,700 to 5.8 million, New Zealand defender Tim Payne has joined Club Olimpia in Paraguay, citing gratitude to fans and excitement for South American competition.
A low‑profile New Zealand defender’s follower count exploded after a viral call‑to‑action from Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini, highlighting the growing intersection of sport and social media.
When Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini urged fans to back New Zealand defender Tim Payne, the player’s follower count exploded from a few thousand to over 5.6 million. The sudden attention highlights the growing power of social media to shape World Cup storylines.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 teams, a milestone made possible by a historic joint hosting arrangement between the United States, Canada and Mexico. Among the storylines, veteran forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have both signaled that the tournament may mark the end of their international careers, with Ronaldo already confirming his final World Cup appearance and Messi hinting at a similar conclusion. Mexico’s veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has also been selected for a sixth World Cup, underscoring the longevity some players achieve in the competition.
A chance encounter in Florida sparked a social media explosion that propelled a little‑known defender into the spotlight, while also highlighting New Zealand's World Cup journey.
A social media campaign by Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini transformed New Zealand midfielder Tim Payne's online presence, leading to a meeting in person and a series of upcoming matches that could redefine his career.
A chance meeting in Florida sparked a viral boost for Payne, who now looks to translate online attention into on‑field success against Iran.
A chance connection with influencer Valen Scarsini propelled New Zealand footballer Tim Payne from 5,000 to over 5 million followers, reshaping his outlook before the tournament.
After a friendly match, influencer Valen Scarsini helped New Zealand defender Tim Payne sky‑rocket from 5,000 to over 5 million followers, setting the stage for a World Cup debut.
From a few thousand Instagram followers to millions, Tim Payne's unexpected fame is reshaping the narrative around New Zealand's first World Cup appearance since 2010.
New Zealand defender Tim Payne’s Instagram following surged from 4,715 to 4.2 million after an Argentine influencer called for support, prompting praise from his coach and teammates as the squad prepares for a World Cup warm‑up in Florida.
New Zealand defender Tim Payne’s Instagram followers jumped from 4,715 to 4.2 million in days after an Argentine influencer rallied his fans, drawing praise from his coach and drawing attention from across the sporting world.
A viral call from an Argentine influencer has catapulted New Zealand defender Tim Payne into the global spotlight, drawing praise from coaches, teammates and fans alike.
In less than a week, 32‑year‑old New Zealand utility player Tim Payne amassed over three million followers, sparked a wave of fan tributes and even prompted calls to rename a Tim Horton's outlet in Vancouver.