🔗 Share this article

As I enter the space, the young midfielder grabs a soccer ball he clings to throughout our chat. It’s a simple visual metaphor for a ambition he has never let slip. “My sole focus was football; I was focused solely on that,” remarks this AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His determination and raw talent won over clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the hardest person to convince didn't come from a sporting director or manager, but his own father. “He was against me to play football but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Surmounting Early Hurdles

In time, on “a special day,” he received his father’s blessing to chase his path in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a deal.

However, Génération Foot – the club that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After he earned the best player in a local competition, the scouts were “astonished” to discover he was not tied down. They acted quickly. “They took me directly to the training centre. They didn’t want me from returning home,” he recalled.

An Unforgettable Season and Continental Breakthrough

That decision set him on a trajectory to Europe. A defining period came in 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, though tired, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his country to the title and earning player of the tournament.

A month later, he was unveiled as FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a problem,” says the 21-year-old. He resides by himself in Europe, a choice his family encourage to keep him focused.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Distractions are not really a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from the Belgian maestro's “humility” and exceptional skills. Additionally, he's a huge fan of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and accuracy from dead-ball situations are key strengths. Camara confesses a need to temper his aggression, having been shown red early in his tenures at each French club. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Ambitions

With his current club, he cherishes learning from veterans such as 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 Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the favourites – there's no denying it. If you beat England on their soil…,” he says, referencing a memorable 3-1 win in Nottingham.

Regarding a transfer to the Premier League, he is focused on Monaco at present. “I am very at ease here,” he insists. However, he's frequently teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. He laughs, yet remains determined about targeting the main Africa Player of the Year down the line.

“The pressure is on us – that's the reality. 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 guide Senegal to Afcon success and build his own lasting legacy in the game.