Martins was famous for being very fast. His speed was a key part of his successful career.
When discussing the fastest footballers in history, one name that often surfaces is Obafemi Martins. But does he hold the title of the fastest player in football history?
 "'Speed 99' - Was Obafemi Martins Faster Than Mbappe, Ronaldo, and Bale During His Prime? 1")
From moments of brilliance to stunning comebacks, these iconic events have become etched in football history.
Martins’ Rise to Prominence
Super Eagles legend Obafemi Martins || Imago
Obafemi Martins’ journey to football stardom began in Nigeria before making waves in Italy with Inter Milan.
![Victor Osimhen now level with Segun Odegbami on the top 10 Super Eagles all-time highest goalscorers list [2025]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/04032025/66bdb141-fcac-43de-a72b-36c4cd733ae9.jpeg?operations=fit(:350) "'Speed 99' - Was Obafemi Martins Faster Than Mbappe, Ronaldo, and Bale During His Prime? 3")
Victor Osimhen is expected to break Rashidi Yekini’s record as the Super Eagles all-time highest goalscorer but which other football stars make the list?
His agility and rapid movements on the pitch caught the attention of fans and pundits alike.
From there, he enjoyed successful stints at Newcastle United, Birmingham City, and later Major League Soccer (MLS) with Seattle Sounders.
Evidence of Martins’ Speed
Obafemi Martins shone at Inter| Credit: IMAGO
Martins was renowned for his ability to outrun defenders and make quick sprints during counter-attacks.
 "'Speed 99' - Was Obafemi Martins Faster Than Mbappe, Ronaldo, and Bale During His Prime? 5")
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has offered guidance to Kevin Martins, son of Nigerian football legend Obafemi Martins
During his time at Inter Milan, he was clocked at a top speed of 36 km/h (22.4 mph), a record that stood out at the time as per Goal
Obafemi Martins vs Other Faster Players
Martins vs Ronaldo, Bale and Mbappe
Pulse Sport previously reported that the former Newcastle United star Obafemi Martins asserted that during his prime, he was faster than current football speedsters like Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Gareth Bale.
 "'Speed 99' - Was Obafemi Martins Faster Than Mbappe, Ronaldo, and Bale During His Prime? 7")
Super Eagles legend Obafemi Martins made bold claims at the CAF Awards.
Martins, known for his electrifying pace and powerful finish, enjoyed a successful career across Europe, the USA, and China. He played for ten clubs in seven countries and earned 42 caps for Nigeria, scoring 18 goals.
Obafemi Martins was a key player for the Super Eagles
Despite other players being renowned for their speed, Martins insists no footballer could match his pace during his prime, even claiming his video game stats aligned with Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt.
According to ESPN, Martin’s speed was extraordinary, facing competition from other notable speedsters in football history. Players like Gareth Bale, Kylian Mbappe, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all demonstrated remarkable speed on the pitch. Notably, Kylian Mbappe was recorded reaching 38 km/h (23.6 mph) during a match, surpassing Martin’s top speed
 "'Speed 99' - Was Obafemi Martins Faster Than Mbappe, Ronaldo, and Bale During His Prime? 9")
The former Inter Milan striker believes the Nerazzurris will win the league ahead of Ademola Lookman’s Atlanta.
Obafemi Martins won the Copa Italia in 2006 with Inter
Additionally, Arjen Robben’s famous sprint against Spain in the 2014 World Cup saw him clock 37 km/h (22.99 mph), further adding to the elite list of fast footballers as per a report from Daily Mail
Arjen Robben scored the third and final goal for Bayern Munich last time out against Manchester United (IMAGO)
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