🔗 Share this article

When I enter the room, the young midfielder picks up a soccer ball he clings to until after the conversation. This serves as a simple symbol for a ambition he has never let slip. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” remarks this AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and natural ability convinced clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the most difficult approval to secure didn't come from a club executive or coach, it was from his dad. “He was against me playing soccer simply because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Initial Obstacles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” Camara earned his dad's approval to chase his career in the sport. A further barrier was his modest frame, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a deal.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the institution that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After Camara was named the MVP in a regional tournament, Génération Foot were “astonished” to discover he was not tied down. They moved fast. “They took me directly to the academy. They prevented me from going back home,” Camara said.

A Landmark Year and European Arrival

This move set him on a pathway to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with him lifting the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, though tired, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his country to victory and earning best player.

Soon after, he was unveiled as Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” states the 21-year-old. He resides alone in Europe, a choice his relatives encourage to keep him focused.

Influences and On-Field Identity

Distractions aren't a concern for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and superb playing qualities. Additionally, he's a huge fan of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and precision from set pieces are notable assets. Camara confesses a need to control his competitive fire, after being shown red early in his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait that is following me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Ambitions

At Monaco, he values the guidance of veterans such as Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” Camara noted.

Right now, attention is firmly 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, pointing to a memorable 3-1 win in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the Premier League, he remains focused on Monaco for now. “I feel really comfortable here,” he affirms. However, he's often ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about winning the senior Africa Player of the Year down the line.

“The pressure is on us – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England at Wembley… it gives you belief.”

Looking ahead, Lamine Camara combines a modest start, steely determination, and big dreams as he aims to lead Senegal to continental glory and forge his own legendary path in the game.