Former Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins, widely known as “Obagoal,” has made an audacious claim that has captured the attention of football fans and pundits alike. In a recent interview, the Nigerian footballer boldly stated that he is faster than some of the game’s most renowned speedsters — including Thierry Henry, Kyle Walker, Arjen Robben, Gareth Bale, Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo, Adama Traoré, Theo Walcott, Kylian Mbappé, and Leroy Sané.
Martins, who made a name for himself with his blistering pace during his career at clubs like Inter Milan, Newcastle United, and several others, reflected on his time on the pitch with pride. He explained that his speed was one of his standout attributes during his playing days, and he truly believes it rivals some of the most famous names in modern football.
A Bold Claim
The list of players Martins compares himself to includes some of the fastest footballers to have graced the game.
- Thierry Henry – Widely considered one of the greatest Premier League players of all time, Henry’s pace was a key weapon in his devastating goal-scoring ability for Arsenal.
- Kyle Walker – Known for his lightning-fast runs as a right-back for Manchester City and the England national team.
- Arjen Robben – The Dutch winger was famous for his speed and ability to cut inside and shoot with his left foot.
- Gareth Bale – A player whose pace has been one of the most prominent aspects of his game, especially during his peak years at Tottenham and Real Madrid.
- Mohamed Salah – One of the quickest players in the Premier League, Salah has used his speed to devastating effect for Liverpool.
- Cristiano Ronaldo – While known more for his skill and finishing, Ronaldo’s pace was a key feature of his game in his prime.
- Adama Traoré – Possibly the fastest player in the Premier League right now, Traoré’s pace is truly remarkable.
- Theo Walcott – Once hailed as one of the fastest players in world football, Walcott made his mark with his blistering pace for Arsenal and England.
- Kylian Mbappé – The young French forward has become synonymous with speed, regularly outrunning defenders in Ligue 1 and on the international stage.
- Leroy Sané – Known for his rapid acceleration and agility, Sané has terrorized defenders both for Bayern Munich and Germany.
These are players whose speed is often a major talking point, and for Martins to claim he’s faster than them is certainly a bold statement.
Obafemi Martins: The Speed Demon
Martins himself was never known for just his technical ability or finishing; his raw speed was one of his standout qualities. During his career, he made a reputation for himself as a quick, powerful forward who could stretch defenses with his pace. His ability to make blistering runs behind defenders and get to the ball first was a feature that made him a nightmare for opposition defenders.
While he may not be in the same category as some of the modern-day legends he compares himself to, Obagoal’s assertion speaks to his self-belief and confidence in his own abilities. His explosive speed was arguably one of his greatest strengths when he played, particularly during his time at Inter Milan and in the Chinese Super League, where he continued to impress with his athleticism.
A Nod to His Legacy
Obafemi Martins’ claim isn’t just about comparing himself to current or past speedsters; it’s also a reflection of his own legacy in the world of football. With his unique blend of speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability, Martins was a key figure in Nigeria’s national team for over a decade, contributing significantly to the Super Eagles’ success.
From his time in the Premier League to his days in Serie A and beyond, Martins always had the ability to change the game with one sprint. And while it may be debatable whether he is truly faster than the likes of Mbappé or Bale, there’s no denying the fact that Obafemi Martins was one of the quickest players in the game during his peak years.
Final Thoughts
In a world where players like Kylian Mbappé, Gareth Bale, and Leroy Sané are often discussed as the fastest in the world, Obafemi Martins’ bold claim adds another layer of intrigue to the conversation. Whether or not he is truly faster than some of these football icons is something that may never be settled definitively. However, what’s certain is that Martins’ pace was one of his most defining attributes, and his confidence in his own speed remains as high as ever.
As for the rest of us, it’s a fun debate — but one thing’s for sure: Obagoal’s blistering pace will always be part of his footballing identity.
