Nicole Payne

Nicole Oyeyemisi Payne is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for the Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League. Born in the United States, she represents Nigeria at international level.

Early life

Payne attended West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia for three years, transferring to the University of Southern California for her fourth and final year.

Payne signed with Paris Saint-Germain of France's Division 1 Féminine in July 2023. Her first appearance for PSG came as a substitute in a 5–2 win over Dijon FCO on 12 November 2023, with her first start on 20 January 2024 in an 8–1 win over FC Girondins de Bordeaux.
In February 2024, she was loaned to the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League for the 2024 season. Five months into her loan, Payne was acquired permanently by the Thorns.
On 16 January 2026, the Orlando Pride announced that they had signed Payne to a one-year contract.

Payne was called up to the United States national under-17 team in 2017.
Payne made her senior debut for Nigeria on 10 June 2021 as a 90th-minute substitute in a 0–1 friendly loss to Jamaica.
Payne was called up to the Nigeria squad for the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
Payne was called up to the Nigeria squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Nigerian parents, Payne is the younger sister of fellow footballers Toni Payne and Stephen Payne. She and her sister Toni have played together in the Nigeria women's national team.

Paris Saint-Germain