🔗 Share this article

When I enter the space, Lamine Camara grabs a football he clings to until after the conversation. This serves as a powerful symbol for a ambition he has never let slip. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” states the AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and natural ability won over clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the hardest approval to secure didn't come from a club executive or manager, it was from his dad. “He was against me to play football but it’s because he had never watched me,” says Camara.

Overcoming Initial Obstacles

Eventually, on “a special day,” Camara earned his dad's approval to chase his path in the sport. Another challenge was his modest frame, which discouraged local club Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

However, the famed academy – the club that nurtured stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After Camara was named the best player in a regional tournament, the scouts were “shocked” to discover he was without a contract. They acted quickly. “They took me directly to the academy. They didn’t want me from going back home,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Year and Continental Arrival

That decision set him on a pathway to Europe. His breakthrough came in 2023, “an unforgettable year,” which began with him lifting the CHAN trophy. Shortly after, though tired, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his nation to victory and being named player of the tournament.

A month later, he was unveiled as Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” states the youngster. He has lived by himself in Europe, a situation his family encourage to maintain his concentration.

Influences and Playing Style

Distractions are not really a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and superb skills. He is also a huge fan of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and precision from dead-ball situations are notable assets. Camara confesses a need to temper his competitive fire, having been sent off early in his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Future Ambitions

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

Right now, his focus is squarely on the Afcon tournament 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 win in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the Premier League, he remains committed to Monaco for now. “I feel really at ease here,” he affirms. He is often teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about targeting the senior top prize in the future.

“We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country… it gives you belief.”

Moving forward, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, steely determination, and big dreams as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and build his own legendary path in the game.