🔗 Share this article

When I enter the room, the young midfielder picks up a soccer ball he won’t let go of until after the conversation. It’s a simple symbol for a dream he has never let slip. “I only wanted football; my mind was set on nothing else,” states the AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His determination and raw talent won over clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the hardest approval to secure didn't come from a club executive or coach, but his own father. “He was against me to play football but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

In time, on “a special day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his path in the sport. A further barrier was his small stature, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a deal.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the club that produced stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. Following Camara was named the best player in a regional tournament, the scouts were “astonished” to learn he was without a contract. They acted quickly. “I was taken straight to the academy. They didn’t want me from going back home,” Camara said.

A Landmark Year and European Breakthrough

That decision set him on a trajectory to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” which began with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Just weeks later, though tired, he played in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his nation to the title and being named best player.

Soon after, he was unveiled as Metz, emulating Mané. “Settling in wasn't a problem,” says the youngster. He has lived by himself in Europe, a situation his family support to keep him focused.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Off-field noise aren't a concern for Camara, who draws inspiration from the Belgian maestro's “humility” and exceptional playing qualities. Additionally, he's 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. He admits a need to temper his competitive fire, having been shown red at the start of his spells at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Mentors and Future Goals

With his current club, he cherishes the guidance of veterans such as Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I told myself we are really lucky,” Camara noted.

Currently, his focus is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England on their soil…,” he says, referencing a memorable 3-1 win in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the Premier League, he is committed to Monaco at present. “I am very comfortable here,” he affirms. However, he's often ribbed by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about winning the senior top prize down the line.

“We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England at Wembley… it instills confidence.”

Moving forward, Lamine Camara blends a modest start, steely determination, and grand ambitions targeting to guide Senegal to Afcon success and build his own legendary path in the world of football.