Legendary Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins remains one of the wealthiest footballers from the country, thanks to an illustrious career that spanned top leagues in England, Italy, and China. While he earned significant sums throughout his career, his highest salary came during the twilight of his playing days in the Chinese Super League. Despite facing financial challenges later on, including selling off properties, Martins has managed to maintain his wealth and continues to generate income through business ventures and philanthropy. Kick Off Nigeria looks into the financial side of the player’s story.
Career and Salary Highlights: From England to China
Martins began his professional journey in Europe, making a name for himself with Inter Milan, where he won multiple trophies. His move to Newcastle United marked a turning point, doubling his earnings compared to his time in Italy. After stints in Germany with VfL Wolfsburg and in Russia with FC Rubin Kazan, Martins experienced a salary dip when he joined Levante UD in Spain. However, his move to Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer (MLS) nearly tripled his income.
The peak of Martins’ financial success came with his switch to the Chinese Super League with Shanghai Shenhua, where his salary increased threefold. By the time he signed with Wuhan Yangtze River F.C. in 2020, his earnings saw a slight reduction but still remained substantial.
During his time with Wuhan Yangtze River F.C., Martins earned approximately €5,622,340 annually, which translates to around ₦9,989,209,439. This equated to €117,132 (₦208,108,382) per week.
|
Annual Salary |
€ 5,622,340 |
9,989,209,439 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Monthly Salary |
€ 468,528 |
832,433,528 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Weekly Salary |
€ 117,132 |
208,108,382 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Daily Salary |
€ 16,733 |
29,729,515 Nigerian Nairas |
Career Salary Comparison: Martins’ Earnings Through the Years
Martins’ salary rose steadily early in his career, with his contract at Newcastle United doubling his earnings compared to his time at Inter Milan. Despite a salary dip during his stint with Levante UD, his move to MLS and later the Chinese Super League saw significant increases. At Shanghai Shenhua, he earned his highest-ever salary, which was three times higher than his earnings in MLS. However, his contract with Wuhan Yangtze River F.C. marked a slight decrease of €465,000 compared to his time in Shanghai.
|
Club |
Salary Euro per Year (EUR) |
Salary Nigerian Nairas per Year (NGN) |
|
Wuhan Yangtze River F.C. (2021/2022) |
〜€ 5,622,340 |
〜9,989,209,439 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Shanghai Shenhua F.C. (2016/2018) |
〜€ 6,087,179 |
〜10,815,088,722 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Seattle Sounders FC (2015) |
€ 2,218,615 |
3,941,812,466 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Seattle Sounders FC (2013/2014) |
€ 1,479,077 |
2,627,875,570 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Levante UD (2012/2013) |
〜€ 600,000 |
〜1,066,019,782 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Newcastle United F.C. (2006/2009) |
〜€ 4,303,414 |
〜7,645,874,093 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Inter Milan (2005/2006) |
€ 2,500,000 |
4,441,749,093 Nigerian Nairas |
Market Value: Rise and Fall
Martins’ market value peaked during his early years in England. After his debut season with Newcastle United, where he was the club’s top scorer, his transfer value reached €16 million. However, injuries began to take a toll, leading to a steady decline in his valuation. By the time he moved to FC Rubin Kazan, his market value had dropped by half, and his time in Russia further diminished it.
A resurgence with Levante UD brought a brief increase in value, but his subsequent transfer to MLS and later to China marked a consistent downward trend. By the end of his career at Wuhan Yangtze River F.C., his market value had decreased to just €100,000.
|
Club |
Year |
Market Value |
|
Wuhan Yangtze River F.C. |
2020 (December) |
€ 100,000 |
|
Shanghai Shenhua F.C. |
2020 (August) |
€ 350,000 |
|
Shanghai Shenhua F.C. |
2018 |
€ 1,000,000 |
|
Shanghai Shenhua F.C. |
2017 |
€ 2,000,000 |
|
Shanghai Shenhua F.C. |
2016 |
€ 1,600,000 |
|
Seattle Sounders FC |
2013-2015 |
€ 2,500,000 |
|
Levante UD |
2013 |
€ 3,500,000 |
|
FC Rubin Kazan |
2012 |
€ 2,500,000 |
|
FC Rubin Kazan |
2011 |
€ 5,500,000 |
|
FC Rubin Kazan |
2010 |
€ 9,000,000 |
|
Newcastle United F.C. |
2009 |
€ 12,500,000 |
|
Newcastle United F.C. |
2008 |
€ 14,500,000 |
|
Newcastle United F.C. |
2007 |
€ 16,000,000 |
|
Newcastle United F.C. |
2006 |
€ 15,000,000 |
|
Inter Milan |
2005 |
€ 12,500,000 |
|
Inter Milan |
2004 |
€ 10,000,000 |
Achievements with Nigeria
Martins made his debut for the Nigerian national team in 2004 and represented his country in four major tournaments, including three Africa Cup of Nations campaigns and one FIFA World Cup. His most successful outings were the 2006 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria secured bronze medals. Martins retired from international football in 2015, ending his career with 40 appearances, 18 goals, and 1 assist.
Life After Football
Post-retirement, Martins has ventured into business and philanthropy. After several attempts, he successfully opened a nightclub, Cosa Nostra Patron, in Lagos in 2023. Located on Victoria Island, the club has become a thriving enterprise. Additionally, he revitalized his charitable foundation, focusing on improving education in Nigeria, reflecting his commitment to giving back to his community.
Obafemi Martins continues to leave an impact both on and off the pitch, proving that his legacy goes beyond football.
