🔗 Share this article

As I enter the room, Lamine Camara grabs a soccer ball he clings to until after our chat. It’s a powerful symbol for a dream he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks the Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and raw talent convinced clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. Yet, the most difficult person to convince didn't come from a club executive or coach, it was from his dad. “He didn’t want me to play football simply because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Surmounting Initial Obstacles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his career in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which deterred local club Casa Sports from offering him a deal.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the club that produced stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After he earned the MVP in a regional tournament, the scouts were “astonished” to learn he was not tied down. They moved fast. “They took me directly to the training centre. They prevented me from going back home,” Camara said.

A Landmark Season and Continental Breakthrough

That decision put him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” which began with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his nation to the title and being named player of the tournament.

A month later, he was unveiled as FC Metz, emulating Mané. “Settling in wasn't a problem,” states the 21-year-old. He resides by himself in Europe, a choice his relatives support to keep him focused.

Inspiration and On-Field Identity

Distractions aren't a concern for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and exceptional playing qualities. He is also a big admirer of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from set pieces are notable assets. Camara confesses a need to control his competitive fire, having been sent off early in his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait that is following me!” he quips.

Monaco, Mentors and Future Ambitions

At Monaco, he values learning from veterans such as Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I told myself we are fortunate,” he said.

Right now, his focus is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country…,” he states, pointing to a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential transfer to the English top flight, he is committed to Monaco for now. “I am very comfortable here,” he affirms. He is often ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. He laughs, yet remains determined about targeting the senior Africa Player of the Year in the future.

“The pressure is on us – we can’t hide from that. Having beaten England at Wembley… it instills belief.”

Looking ahead, this talented midfielder blends a modest start, steely determination, and big dreams as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and build his own legendary path in the game.