Obafemi Martins is one of Nigeria’s football legends to ever grace the pitch. He is known for his electrifying speed, sharp finishing, and signature backflip goal celebrations.
Popularly known as ObaGoal, Obafemi Martins thrilled global audiences while playing for top European clubs such as Inter Milan, Newcastle United, and Wolfsburg, consistently leaving defenders in his wake.
During his peak years in Europe, Martins not only enjoyed success on the field, including league titles and cup triumphs, but also secured substantial financial rewards that came with playing at the highest level.
From lucrative contracts to performance bonuses and endorsement deals, Obafemi Martins net worth established him among the richest Nigerian footballers of his time.
In this article by SportsBuddy, we will be taking a closer look at the football legend’s career, achievements and how Obafemi Martins net worth was acquired.
Early Life, Background and Education
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins |
| Date of Birth | 28 October 1984 |
| Age | 41 |
| Place of Birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Position | Forward (Centre-Forward) |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Spouse/Partner | Currently married to Nadine Nifemi Martins (Married in August 2021) |
| Ex-Partner | Previously married to Abigail Barwuah (Mario Balotelli’s sister) |
| Children | Has a son, Kendrick (welcomed in 2013), with Abigail Barwuah. Is also the father of Kevin Martins (from another relationship) |
| Interests/Philanthropy | Co-manages the Obafemi Martins’ Foundation |
| Current Status | Retired (Since January 1, 2021) |
Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins was born on October 28, 1984, in Lagos, Nigeria. He grew up in a family of four which include his father, mother and two brothers.
His early life was far from luxurious, and like many African kids, his first footballing lessons came on the streets of Lagos.
Since childhood, Obafemi Martins has been a talented footballer with his raw skills impossible to miss. This impressed football scout, Churchill Oliseh, who spotted his potential, setting him on the path to stardom.
At the age of 16, Martins made the life-changing decision to leave Nigeria for Italy to pursue his football dreams. This move meant that his formal education took a backseat.
As a result, he only completed Primary and Secondary schools education in Nigeria, furthering n the youth systems of Italian football clubs. He started with F.C. Ebedei before securing a youth contract with Serie C side A.C. Reggiana in 2000.
This was the humble beginning of a journey that ultimately formed the foundation of Obafemi Martins net worth.
Professional Career
| Club (Years) | Apps (Goals) | Key Achievements at Club |
|---|---|---|
| Inter Milan (2001–2006) | 88 (28) | Italian Champion (Serie A: 2005–06), 2x Italian Cup Winner, Italian Super Cup Winner (2005) |
| Newcastle United (2006–2009) | 88 (28) | Highest scoring league season: 11 goals in the 2006–07 Premier League |
| VfL Wolfsburg (2009–2010) | 16 (6) | Provided attacking depth in the Bundesliga |
| Rubin Kazan (2010–2012) | 20 (3) | Russian Super Cup Winner (2012), Russian Cup Winner (2012) |
| Birmingham City (loan) (2011) | 4 (0) | Scored the winning goal in the 2011 Football League Cup Final |
| Levante (2012–2013) | 21 (7) | Competed in the UEFA Europa League |
| Seattle Sounders FC (2013–2015) | 72 (40) | MLS Goal of the Year (2014), MLS MVP Runner-up (2014), US Open Cup Winner (2014), MLS Supporters’ Shield Winner (2014) |
| Shanghai Shenhua (2016–2020) | 44 (19) | Chinese FA Cup Winner (2016/17) |
| Wuhan (2020) | 6 (1) | Final professional club before retirement |
| International (Nigeria) | 42 Caps (18 Goals) | World Cup Participant (2010)
3x Africa Cup of Nations Participant (2006, 2008, 2010) |
Inter Milan
Martins’ professional journey is a map of world football. His senior career started with Reggiana, but his big break came when Inter Milan signed him in 2001 for a fee of around €750,000.
Obafemi Martins truly announced himself to the world during his four years spell at Inter Milan, scoring 28 goals in 88 appearances and winning the Serie A title and two Coppa Italia trophies.
His electrifying pace and eye for goal made him a fan favorite and significantly boosted his market value, laying the early groundwork for his net worth.
Newcastle United
In 2006, he made a high-profile move to Newcastle United in the English Premier League for a fee of €15 million, famously inheriting the iconic No. 9 shirt from Alan Shearer.
He continued his goal-scoring form there, netting 17 league goals in his first season.
Subsequent transfers took him to Germany’s VfL Wolfsburg, Russia’s Rubin Kazan, and Spain’s Levante. A defining loan spell at Birmingham City in 2011 saw him score the winning goal in the League Cup final, adding a major trophy to his cabinet.
His move to the Seattle Sounders in MLS from 2013 to 2015 was another successful chapter, where he won the Supporters’ Shield and the U.S. Open Cup.
However, the peak of his earning power came with his move to China. He signed with Shanghai Shenhua from 2016 to 2018, where he earned a massive base salary of $6.6 million per year, a figure that played a monumental role in shaping the current Obafemi Martins Net Worth.
He ended his football career with Wuhan Zall in 2020 before officially retiring on January 1, 2021, a move which came as a new year shocker.
International Career
On the international stage, Martins was a key figure for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, from his debut in 2004. He earned 42 caps and scored a respectable 18 goals.
He represented his country in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, securing bronze medals in 2006 and 2010, and also played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Obafemi Martins Net Worth
As of 2025, Obafemi Martins net worth is estimated at €23 million, which is approximately $25 million. This impressive fortune made him one of the richest footballers in Nigeria currently.
However, Obafemi Martins fortune didn’t just appear overnight, it is the result of a multi-decade career fueled by smart decisions and diverse income streams.
Let’s break down the key factors that have helped Obafemi Martins net worth grow over the years.
Salary and Contracts
The most significant contributor to Obafemi Martins net worth has been his substantial earnings from player salaries and contracts. His career was marked by a series of lucrative deals.
At Inter Milan, he was on a contract worth €2.5 million annually. His move to Newcastle United came with a handsome five-year deal. His time at the Seattle Sounders saw his salary progress from $1.6 million to over $3 million per year after a contract extension.
The real financial game-changer, however, was his stint in the Chinese Super League with Shanghai Shenhua, where he earned a base salary of $6.6 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league at the time.
Endorsement Deals
Beyond his club wages, endorsement deals have been a vital pillar supporting Obafemi Martins net worth. His marketability, driven by his exciting style of play and global appeal, attracted major brands.
The most notable was a landmark deal with Adidas signed in 2008, which was worth a reported £1.7 million per year. At the time, this was the most lucrative endorsement contract ever secured by an African footballer.
Such partnerships provided a steady and significant stream of income that supplemented his football salary and helped solidify the foundation of Obafemi Martins net worth.
Business Ventures
Perhaps the most insightful aspect of Obafemi Martins net worth is his venture into business.
Unlike many athletes who struggle post-retirement, Martins has wisely invested his earnings.
His portfolio includes substantial real estate investments, including luxurious mansions in Lagos, Nigeria, and Como, Italy, valued in the hundreds of millions of Naira.
He also owns a yatch and collection of high-end supercars, including a Lamborghini Aventador and a Bentley Bentayga.
Obafemi Martins has also ventured into the hospitality industry, owning nightclubs like BayRock in Lagos and the more recently opened Cosa Nostra Patron.
Furthermore, alongside his wife, he co-owns educational initiatives in Asia and Africa. These strategic business ventures demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to wealth management, ensuring that Obafemi Martins net worth continues to grow and is preserved for generations to come.
Personal Life
Obafemi Martins is a devoted family man. He married his long-time partner, Nadine Nifemi, in 2021, and she is actively involved in co-directing his foundation and business dealings.
Martins has children from previous relationships, including his son Kevin, who is following in his father’s footsteps by playing football in Italy’s youth system.
The football legend also owns Obafemi Martins Foundation, which he uses to give back to his community in Nigeria, focusing on providing educational and sports opportunities for underprivileged children.
In conclusion, the remarkable figure that defines Obafemi Martins net worth is a testament to a stellar football career, savvy business acumen, and strategic brand partnerships.
From his humble beginnings in Lagos to becoming a global football icon and a multi-millionaire businessman, his journey is truly inspiring.
The sustained growth of Obafemi Martins net worth after retirement underscores the importance of planning and diversifying one’s income.
