Born in Lagos in 1984, he transitioned from local street football to major international clubs, establishing a career defined by rapid movement and physical agility.
Early Career and Italy
Scouted by Churchill Oliseh while playing in his hometown, Martins joined the local club F.C. Ebedei. He moved to Italy in 2000, signing with A.C. Reggiana after a successful trial. By 2001, he joined Inter Milan for a fee of €750,000. He excelled in the youth system, helping the team win the Campionato Nazionale Primavera in the 2001–02 season before making his senior debut against Parma in December 2002.
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Martins became a significant presence at Inter Milan, where he notably scored in the UEFA Champions League against Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AC Milan. During his tenure, he won the Serie A title and the Italian Super Cup. His scoring form peaked with 22 goals in the 2005–06 season, leading to his inclusion in Nigeria's squad for the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations.
Premier League and Global Stints
In 2006, Martins transferred to Newcastle United for €15 million, inheriting the number 9 shirt. He recorded 17 goals in his debut season, including a notable 84 mph strike against Tottenham Hotspur in January 2007. Following his time in England, his career included spells with VfL Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan, Birmingham City, and Levante. He later played for Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer, where he scored 17 goals in 2014, before concluding his professional journey in the Chinese Super League with Shanghai Shenhua and Wuhan.
Fast facts
- Born: 28 October 1984, Lagos, Nigeria
- Primary Position: Forward
- Debut Club: F.C. Ebedei
- Inter Milan transfer fee: €750,000
- Newcastle United transfer fee: €15 million
- Major League Soccer club: Seattle Sounders FC
- Languages: English, Nigerian Pidgin
- International appearances: Africa Cup of Nations, FIFA World Cup
Questions readers ask
Which major trophy did he win with Birmingham City?
He scored the winning goal in the 2011 Football League Cup final.
What was his highest scoring league season?
He reached 17 league goals in both the 2006–07 Premier League season and the 2014 MLS season.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
