Former Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins has asserted that during his playing career, he was faster than several of football’s most renowned speedsters, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, and Kylian Mbappe.
Obafemi Martins made this declaration during an interview with ESPN at the 2024 CAF Awards held in Morocco on Monday.
When prompted to compare his speed with that of various football legends, Martins specifically singled out Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, stating, “I’m faster than him.”
The Nigerian forward didn’t stop there; he went on to add that he was “way faster” than notable players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Kyle Walker, Arjen Robben, and Gareth Bale.
His assertion is remarkable, considering the accolades these players have received throughout their illustrious careers.
The 40-year-old Obafemi Martins not only reflected on his speed but also expressed a playful superiority over several other footballing greats.
When names like Mohamed Salah, Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazário, Leroy Sane, Adama Traore, and Theo Walcott were mentioned, he consistently responded with the same confident phrase, “I’m faster than him.”
In addition to speed, Martins cheekily asserted that he possessed superior ball control compared to Arjen Robben, further demonstrating his belief in his skills on the pitch. He even went so far as to suggest that the legendary Brazilian Ronaldo recognized his superior speed.
Martins invited skeptics of his claims to check with his former teammates at Inter Milan, where he spent a significant part of his career. “There’s no player on this list faster than me,” he asserted with conviction. “Go back to Inter Milan and ask about me. There’s no way.”
Throughout his remarkable career, Martins scored an impressive 201 goals while showcasing his blistering pace as his trademark attribute.
His journey in professional football included stints at Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan, Birmingham City, Levante, Seattle Sounders, and Shanghai Shenhua. His speed was not just a physical asset; it became a defining characteristic that set him apart in the competitive world of football.