🔗 Share this article

As I enter the room, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he won’t let go of throughout our chat. This serves as a simple visual metaphor for a ambition he has always held onto. “My sole focus was the beautiful game; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks this AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His determination and natural ability won over teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the most difficult approval to secure didn't come from a sporting director or manager, but his own father. “He didn’t want me playing soccer but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Surmounting Initial Obstacles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his path in the game. A further barrier was his modest frame, which discouraged local club Casa Sports from offering him a contract.

However, Génération Foot – the institution that nurtured stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. Following he earned the best player in a local competition, the scouts were “shocked” to discover he was not tied down. They moved fast. “They took me directly to the training centre. They prevented me from going back home,” he recalled.

A Landmark Season and European Breakthrough

This move set him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” starting with Camara winning the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his country to victory and earning best player.

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

Influences and On-Field Identity

Off-field noise are not really a problem for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and superb playing qualities. He is also a huge fan of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and accuracy from dead-ball situations are notable assets. He admits he must to control his competitive fire, having been shown red early in his spells at each French club. “It is a habit that is following me!” he quips.

Monaco, Mentors and Upcoming Goals

With his current club, he values learning from veterans such as Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are fortunate,” he said.

Currently, his focus is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – there's no denying it. After defeating England in their own country…,” he states, referencing a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

Regarding a future move to the Premier League, he remains committed to Monaco for now. “I am very at ease here,” he insists. He is often ribbed by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about targeting the main Africa Player of the Year down the line.

“The pressure is on us – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country… it gives you confidence.”

Looking ahead, this talented midfielder blends a modest start, steely determination, and big dreams targeting to guide Senegal to continental glory and forge his own lasting legacy in the game.