🔗 Share this article

As I enter the space, Lamine Camara picks up a football he won’t let go of until after the conversation. It’s a simple symbol for a dream he has never let slip. “My sole focus was football; I was focused solely on that,” remarks the AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and natural ability convinced clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the hardest approval to secure was not a club executive or coach, but his own father. “He was against me to play football simply because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” Camara earned his father’s blessing to pursue his career in the sport. Another challenge was his modest frame, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a deal.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the club that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. Following Camara was named the MVP in a regional tournament, the scouts were “astonished” to learn he was without a contract. They acted quickly. “They took me straight to the training centre. They didn’t want me from going back home,” he recalled.

An Unforgettable Season and European Breakthrough

That decision put him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough came in 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his country to the title and earning best player.

Soon after, he signed for FC Metz, emulating Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” says the youngster. He resides by himself in Europe, a choice his relatives support to keep him focused.

Influences and On-Field Identity

Distractions are not really a concern for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and superb playing qualities. Additionally, he's a huge fan of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from set pieces are key strengths. Camara confesses he must to temper his competitive fire, after being sent off at the start of his spells at each French club. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Future Goals

With his current club, he cherishes learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “When I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” he said.

Right now, attention is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – there's no denying it. After defeating England on their soil…,” he states, pointing to a historic 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential transfer to the Premier League, he is committed to Monaco for now. “I am very comfortable here,” he insists. He is often teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, 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 in their own country… it gives you belief.”

Looking ahead, Lamine Camara combines a modest start, steely determination, and grand ambitions as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and build his own lasting legacy in the game.