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As I enter the room, the young midfielder picks up a football he won’t let go of until after our chat. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for a ambition he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks this Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and natural ability convinced teams such as Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. Yet, the most difficult person to convince didn't come from a sporting director or manager, but his own father. “He didn’t want me to play football simply because he had never watched me,” says Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

Eventually, on “a special day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his path in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a contract.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the institution that produced stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. Following he earned the MVP in a regional tournament, the scouts were “astonished” to learn he was without a contract. They moved fast. “They took me directly to the training centre. They prevented me from going back to Casamance,” Camara said.

A Landmark Year and Continental Arrival

That decision put him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, guiding his nation to the title and being named best player.

A month later, he was unveiled as Metz, emulating Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” says the 21-year-old. He has lived by himself in Europe, a situation his family support to keep him focused.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Distractions aren't a problem for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and superb playing qualities. He is also a huge fan of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from dead-ball situations are key strengths. He admits a need to control his competitive fire, after being shown red at the start of his spells at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Mentors and Upcoming Ambitions

With his current club, he cherishes learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest in Pogba, I told myself we are really lucky,” Camara noted.

Right now, attention is squarely on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – we can’t hide from that. After defeating England on their soil…,” 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 comfortable here,” he affirms. He is often ribbed by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about targeting the senior top prize in the future.

“We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England at Wembley… it instills confidence.”

Moving forward, Lamine Camara blends humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and big dreams as he aims to guide Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own lasting legacy in the game.