🔗 Share this article

When I enter the room, Lamine Camara picks up a football he won’t let go of until after the conversation. This serves as a simple visual metaphor for a ambition he has never let slip. “My sole focus was football; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks the Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and natural ability won over teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the most difficult person to convince didn't come from a sporting director or coach, it was from his dad. “He didn’t want me to play football simply because he had never watched me,” says Camara.

Surmounting Initial Obstacles

Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” Camara earned his father’s blessing to chase his path in the game. A further barrier was his small stature, which deterred local club Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the institution that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. Following he earned the MVP in a local competition, the scouts were “astonished” to learn he was without a contract. They moved fast. “They took me straight to the training centre. They prevented me from going back home,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Season and Continental Arrival

This move set him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough came in 2023, “an unforgettable year,” which began with Camara winning the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he played in the Under-20s Afcon, guiding his nation to the title and being named best player.

A month later, he was unveiled as FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” states the 21-year-old. He has lived alone in Europe, a situation his relatives support to keep him focused.

Influences and Playing Style

Off-field noise are not really a concern for Camara, who looks up to the Belgian maestro's “modesty” and superb playing qualities. Additionally, he's a big admirer of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from set pieces are key strengths. Camara confesses a need to control his aggression, having been shown red at the start of his spells at each French club. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Goals

At Monaco, he values learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I told myself we are fortunate,” Camara noted.

Currently, 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 states, referencing a historic 3-1 win in Nottingham.

Regarding a future move to the Premier League, he is focused on Monaco at present. “I feel really at ease here,” he affirms. However, he's 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 Africa Player of the Year in the future.

“The pressure is on us – that's the reality. Having beaten England in their own country… it instills confidence.”

Moving forward, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, steely determination, and grand ambitions as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own lasting legacy in the game.