When it comes to Nigerian footballers who made a name for themselves across Europe, Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins is one name you cannot ignore. Known for his incredible pace, acrobatic goal celebrations, and powerful shots, Obafemi Martins became a global football star and a respected athlete.
In this post, I explained everything you need to know about Obafemi Martins, including it’s early life, football journey, achievements, personal life, net worth, career earnings, and current lifestyle.
Early Life And Background
Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins was born on 28 October 1984 in Lagos, Nigeria. He grew up in a humble background where life was not always easy. Like many young boys in Lagos, Martins played football on the streets with the dream of becoming a professional someday.
However, his big break came when a local coach spotted his natural talent and recommended him to a football academy. Martins joined FC Ebedei, a well-known Nigerian academy that has produced top talents. This was where his real journey began.
At just 16, Martins left Nigeria for Italy to join Reggiana, a move that changed his life entirely. From that point, his career took off in ways he never imagined.
Club Career Journey
Obafemi Martins had one of the most exciting and fast-paced football careers in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Here is a simple breakdown of the clubs he played for and how he performed.
Reggiana (Italy)
Martins began his professional journey with Reggiana after leaving Nigeria. His performance there attracted bigger clubs, especially Inter Milan.
Inter Milan (2001–2006)
This was the club that made Obafemi Martins a global football star.
At Inter Milan, he:
- Scored important goals in the Champions League
- Formed strong partnerships with some of the world’s best players
- Became one of the fastest players in Europe
- His trademark acrobatic flips after scoring made him a fan favorite.
During his time at Inter, Martins won titles, gained international recognition, and established himself as a reliable striker.
Newcastle United (2006–2009)
In 2006, Martins moved to the English Premier League to play for Newcastle United.
He became known for:
- His long-range powerful shots
- His speed
- His ability to score late goals
- He scored some memorable goals for Newcastle and became one of their key strikers.
Wolfsburg (Germany)
After leaving England, Martins joined Wolfsburg in Germany. Although his stay was short, he contributed to the team’s strong performance during that period.
Rubin Kazan (Russia)
Martins then moved to Russia to play for Rubin Kazan. He joined the team during a competitive era when Russian clubs were investing heavily in world-class players.
Birmingham City (Loan)
While on loan to Birmingham City in England, Obafemi Martins scored one of the biggest goals of his career — the winning goal in the 2011 Carling Cup Final against Arsenal.
This goal remains one of the highlights of his football life.
Levante (Spain)
Martins later moved to La Liga, where he played for Levante. His speed and agility made him an important part of the team during his time there.
Seattle Sounders (USA)
In 2013, Martins moved to Major League Soccer (MLS) where he joined Seattle Sounders.
This became one of his most successful and enjoyable periods as he:
- Scored many goals
- Became a fan favorite
- Helped the team win major trophies
- Formed a strong partnership with Clint Dempsey
- Was named in the MLS Best XI
His performances in the MLS boosted his global reputation even more.
Shanghai Shenhua (China)
Martins then transferred to China to play for Shanghai Shenhua. This move significantly increased his earnings, as the Chinese league was offering huge salaries at the time.
He won the Chinese FA Cup and scored important goals before injuries slowed his career.
International Career With Nigeria
Obafemi Martins played for the Super Eagles of Nigeria for many years.
He participated in:
- Africa Cup of Nations
- FIFA World Cup qualifiers
- International friendlies
He scored several goals for Nigeria and often played as a key striker. His speed, strength, and finishing ability made him a threat to defenders across Africa and beyond.
Although he was not always a regular starter due to competition in the national team, he is still remembered as one of Nigeria’s most exciting forwards.
Playing Style And Strengths
Obafemi Martins was widely known for:
- Incredible speed
- Strong shots
- Acrobatic celebrations
- Low center of gravity
- Excellent dribbling
- Ability to score from tight angles
- He was one of the fastest players in the world during his peak years.
Challenges And Injuries
Like many professional footballers, Martins faced injuries at different stages of his career. Some of these injuries affected his performances and limited his playing time, especially towards the later years of his football journey.
However, he always managed to bounce back due to his determination and discipline.
Obafemi Martins’ Net Worth (2025 Estimate)
Obafemi Martins is considered one of the richest Nigerian footballers of his generation. Over the years, he earned millions from:
- Club salaries
- Match bonuses
- Endorsement deals
- Business investments
As of 2025, Obafemi Martins’ estimated net worth is between $20 million and $25 million.
This estimate comes from:
- His high salaries in the MLS and Chinese Super League
- Long career in Europe
- Sponsorship deals
- Personal investments
His move to Shanghai Shenhua alone earned him one of the biggest salaries of his career, as Chinese clubs were offering record-breaking contracts at that time.
Career Earnings Breakdown
Inter Milan and Newcastle United
These clubs paid strong salaries during their peak years in Europe. Martins earned millions from wages and bonuses.
MLS Earnings
At Seattle Sounders, Martins was one of the highest-paid players.
China Super League Earnings
This was the most financially rewarding phase of his career. His annual salary reportedly ran into millions of dollars.
Sponsorships And Endorsements
Martins enjoyed endorsement deals with sports brands and local companies.
Business Ventures
Like many footballers, Martins invested in businesses to secure his future after football. These ventures also contribute to his net worth today.
Personal Life
Obafemi Martins is known to be a private individual. He does not share too much about his personal life online. He is a family man with children and is known for supporting his relatives and community.
He is also involved in charity work, especially in Nigeria, where he helps underprivileged children and supports grassroots football.
Where Is Obafemi Martins Now?
In recent years, Martins has lived a more private lifestyle. While he is not as active on the pitch as before, he still appears at football-related events and occasions.
He also focuses on his personal businesses, investments, and spending time with family. Martins remains respected in the football community because of his achievements and contributions to Nigerian football.
Obafemi Martins’ Major Achievements
Here are some of the biggest achievements from his football career:
- Italian Cup (Coppa Italia) – with Inter Milan
- Supercoppa Italiana – with Inter Milan
- Carling Cup (EFL Cup) – winning goal with Birmingham City
- MLS Supporters’ Shield – with Seattle Sounders
- Chinese FA Cup – with Shanghai Shenhua
- MLS Best XI Recognition
Several individual awards for speed and performance
His legacy includes being one of the fastest and most explosive strikers of his generation.
Legacy And Impact
Obafemi Martins remains a role model to many young footballers in Nigeria and beyond. His journey from the streets of Lagos to the biggest stadiums in the world shows that hard work, talent, and determination can change a person’s life.
His career is a perfect example of:
- Rising from humble beginnings
- Persevering despite challenges
- Using talent to create opportunities
- Staying dedicated to growth and performance
Many Nigerians remember him not only for his goals but also for his joyful backflip celebrations that made fans scream with excitement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Old Is Obafemi Martins?
He was born on 28 October 1984.
What Is Obafemi Martins’ Net Worth?
As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $20–$25 million.
Which Clubs Did He Play For?
Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan, Levante, Seattle Sounders, and Shanghai Shenhua, among others.
What Made Obafemi Martins Popular?
His speed, powerful shots, acrobatic goal celebrations, and consistent performances.
Is Obafemi Martins Retired?
While he is not officially retired, he is currently inactive in professional football and living a private life.
How Fast Is Obafemi Martins?
Obafemi Martins is widely known as one of the fastest footballers of his generation. During his peak years at Inter Milan and Newcastle United, his top speed was estimated to be between 34 km/h and 36 km/h, making him one of the quickest strikers in Europe at the time. His explosive acceleration and speed were key parts of his playing style.
Which Club Is Obafemi Martins Son Playing For
Obafemi Martins’ son, Kevin Maussa Martins, is a young footballer who has been developing his career in Europe. He joined the Inter Milan youth academy, following in his father’s footsteps. As of recent updates, he has been involved in Inter Milan’s youth setups as he continues togrow in professional football.
