Obafemi Martins

We continue our countdown of the best 11 Sounders players in our MLS history, which kicked off yesterday with the slightly controversial but ultimately heartwarming inclusion of Brad Evans.

Flipping in at Number 10 is Obafemi Martins. Oba is undoubtedly one of the most talented footballers (I would argue the most talented purely in terms of ability) that has ever donned the Rave Green. While he was only with us for a relatively short time (2013-2015), he was always electric and special. Every time he touched the ball, the crowd would expect something special to happen.

Obafemi was part of multiple Africa Cup of Nations Squads with Nigeria, as well as their 2010 World Cup squad. He once held the record for youngest player to ever score in the UEFA Champions League. He scored the winning goal in the League Cup Final against Arsenal in 2011. He arrived in Seattle as one of our highest profile acquisitions.

His 2014 season stands as arguably the most impressive individual campaign in Sounders' MLS history. His 13 assists tied a single-season franchise record, while no Sounder has scored more than the 17 goals he managed that campaign. He finished runners-up in the MLS MVP voting and was pivotal in our first Supporters Shield win.

In addition to his relatively short time spent here, Obafemi doesn't rank higher on this list because of his lack of playoff goals. He somehow never managed a goal in the postseason.

With that said, he is undoubtedly one of the top 10 Sounders of all time, and we will never forget his strength, skills, and backflip celebrations!