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Former Nigerian international and Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has boldly declared himself faster than some of the most renowned speedsters in football history, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, and Kylian Mbappé,.>>>CONTINUE READING…
Speaking during an exclusive interview with ESPN at the 2024 CAF Awards in Morocco, the 40-year-old confidently backed his claim, reminiscing about his blistering pace during his illustrious career.
When asked to compare his speed with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Martins emphatically responded, “I’m faster than him.” He went on to assert that he was “way faster” than other notable speedsters such as Ronaldo (Cristiano), Kyle Walker, Arjen Robben, Gareth Bale, and Kylian Mbappé, some of whom are celebrated for their electrifying acceleration on the pitch.
Outpacing Legends of the Game
Martins didn’t stop there. He claimed superiority in pace over Mohamed Salah, Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário (R9), Leroy Sané, Adama Traoré, and Theo Walcott—footballers whose speed often left defenders in their wake. He cheekily added, “I’m faster than him” for each name mentioned, even asserting that he had better ball control than Dutch icon Arjen Robben.
On his rivalry with Ronaldo Nazário, Martins remarked, “He knows I was faster,” adding that his claims could be verified by speaking with his former teammates at Inter Milan. “Go back to Inter Milan and ask about me. There’s no way,” he declared with confidence.
A Career Defined by Blistering Speed
During his prime, Martins was known for his explosive acceleration and unmatched top speed. He scored 201 career goals across stints with elite clubs such as Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan, Birmingham City, Levante, Seattle Sounders, and Shanghai Shenhua.
Notably, his pace was a game-changer at Inter Milan, where he became a fan favorite. At Newcastle United, his speed terrorized Premier League defenses, earning him a reputation as one of the fastest players of his era. His signature goal celebrations, featuring acrobatic somersaults, added to his fame and charisma.
Reflection on His Legacy
Martins, who netted 18 goals for Nigeria during his international career, reflected on his legacy with pride. “There’s no player on this list faster than me,” he reiterated. “Ask anyone who played with or against me—they know what I brought to the pitch.”
Despite retiring from professional football, Martins’ claims reignite conversations about the fastest footballers in history, adding another layer to the folklore of one of Nigeria’s most iconic players… CONTINUE READING>>
