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When I walk into the space, Lamine Camara picks up a football he clings to throughout our chat. This serves as a simple visual metaphor for a ambition he has always held onto. “My sole focus was the beautiful game; I was focused solely on that,” states the AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and raw talent won over clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. Yet, the hardest person to convince didn't come from a club executive or coach, it was from his dad. “He didn’t want me playing soccer but it’s because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Initial Obstacles

Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” Camara earned his father’s blessing to pursue his career in the sport. Another challenge was his modest frame, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a deal.

However, the famed academy – the club that produced 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 “shocked” to learn he was not tied down. They acted quickly. “I was taken straight to the academy. They didn’t want me from returning home,” he recalled.

An Unforgettable Year and Continental Breakthrough

This move put him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period came in 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his nation to victory and earning best player.

Soon after, he signed for Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” says the 21-year-old. He resides by himself in Europe, a situation his family encourage to keep him focused.

Influences and On-Field Identity

Off-field noise are not really a concern for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and superb skills. He is also a big admirer of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and accuracy from set pieces are notable assets. He admits a need to temper his aggression, after being sent off early in his spells at each French club. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Mentors and Future Goals

With his current club, he values learning from veterans such as Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “When I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I told myself we are really lucky,” Camara noted.

Currently, attention is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the favourites – there's no denying it. If you beat England on their soil…,” he says, pointing to a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the Premier League, he remains committed to Monaco at present. “I am very at ease here,” he affirms. He is often ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. He laughs, yet remains determined about targeting the senior top prize down the line.

“The pressure is on us – that's the reality. Having beaten England at Wembley… it instills belief.”

Looking ahead, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and big dreams as he aims to guide Senegal to continental glory and forge his own legendary path in the world of football.