​MILAN – FC Internazionale Milano is delighted to announce the signing of Antionette Oyedupe “Toni” Payne. The talented Nigerian forward, born in 1995, has committed to the Nerazzurri with a contract that runs through 30 June 2028. Payne’s arrival adds a proven attacker with international experience and a rich club career across Europe, underscoring Inter’s ambitions to compete at the highest levels both domestically and on the continental stage.
Antionette Oyedupe Payne, commonly known as Toni Payne, was born on 22 April 1995 in Birmingham, Alabama, to Nigerian parents. From a young age, she gravitated toward football, playing alongside her sisters Stephen and Nicole. The trio would later become prominent figures in the Nigerian women’s national team, highlighting a family lineage of football excellence. Payne’s journey in the sport began at the grassroots level, where her early years were shaped by a strong soccer culture and the support of her siblings, who encouraged her to pursue the game with dedication and passion.
Payne’s professional career in Europe commenced in 2017 when Ajax presented an opportunity that opened the doors to European football. Her time in the Netherlands marked the start of a series of high-profile moves and performances that showcased her pace, technical ability, and keen eye for goal. After a productive season with Ajax, Payne transferred to Sevilla, where she established herself as a key contributor. Between 2018 and 2024, while wearing the Sevilla jersey, she made 168 appearances and scored 30 goals, contributing significantly to the team’s competitive campaigns in Spain’s top women’s league and in European competitions. Her consistent output and playmaking ability helped Sevilla secure important results and foster a reputation for versatility in the attacking third.
In 2024, Payne took her talents to Everton, further expanding her footprint in European football and continuing to demonstrate her aptitude for goal scoring and creative distribution. At Everton, she added valuable experience to a high-level squad, competing in the Women’s Super League and contributing to the club’s overall ambition to challenge the strongest teams in England and across Europe. Her performances in England complemented her earlier successes in Spain and the Netherlands, reinforcing her status as a well-rounded forward capable of impacting games in multiple ways, whether as a traditional striker, a wide forward, or an attacking midfielder.
On the international stage, Payne’s career reflects a dynamic national team journey. Having initially represented the United States at the U17 level, she eventually opted to align with her Nigerian heritage and choose to compete for Nigeria at the senior international level. Payne made her debut for the Nigeria national team, the Super Falcons, in 2021, marking a significant chapter in her career as she began contributing to Nigeria’s efforts in continental and global competitions. Her decision to represent Nigeria has added valuable depth to the national team’s forward options, combining her American training background with Nigerian footballing roots to create a unique and impactful playing style.
Payne’s move to Inter is motivated by a shared vision of competing for major trophies, while also delivering exciting football to Inter’s passionate fan base. The club envisions leveraging her creativity, speed, and goal-scoring prowess to strengthen its attacking options, provide versatility across multiple forward roles, and contribute to a style of play that emphasizes pressing, intelligent movement, and dynamic counter-attacks. Inter Milán’s commitment to developing players with international experience aligns with Payne’s professional trajectory, offering a platform where she can further refine her craft and help the club achieve success in Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and European competitions.
As Inter prepares for the upcoming season, Toni Payne’s arrival is anticipated to bring a fresh offensive dimension to the squad. Her ability to operate as a forward in multiple positions, her adeptness at finding pockets of space, and her creative finishing will be valuable assets in Inter’s tactical setup. Payne’s prior experience in top European leagues has equipped her with the poise and tactical understanding necessary to adapt quickly to Inter’s style, contribute to cohesive attacking plays, and provide goals and assists at crucial moments.
In terms of personal attributes, Payne is known for her pace, technicalskill, and work ethic. Her speed allows her to stretch defenses and create opportunities in wide or central attacking roles, while her technical ability enables her to execute precise dribbling, ball control, and accurate finishing under pressure. Her background across the Dutch, Spanish, and English leagues has strengthened her understanding of different tactical approaches, making her a versatile option for Inter’s coaches as they design attacking plays that exploit opponents’ weaknesses.
Inter Milan remains committed to strengthening the squad with players who bring international experience, leadership, and a proven goal-scoring ability. Payne’s signing is presented as a key addition to the team’s forward line, offering both immediate impact and long-term potential. The club’s staff anticipates that she will integrate smoothly with teammates and contribute to a cohesive, high-intensity attacking unit under the guidance of Inter’s coaching team.
Fans and supporters can look forward to following Toni Payne’s continued evolution as she dons the Inter shirt. Her journey, which began in the United States and carried through major European leagues, exemplifies a modern footballing path marked by adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to representing Nigeria at the highest levels of international competition. Inter Milan is excited to welcome Antionette Oyedupe “Toni” Payne to the club, where she will join a roster of determined professionals aiming to compete for titles and to bring thrilling football to fans around the world. Payne’s contract through 30 June 2028 underlines Inter’s confidence in her ability to contribute significantly to the team’s ambitions in Serie A, domestic cups, and European tournaments in the seasons ahead.