🔗 Share this article

As I enter the room, Lamine Camara grabs a football he won’t let go of throughout our chat. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for a dream he has always held onto. “I only wanted the beautiful game; my mind was set on nothing else,” states this AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His determination and raw talent won over teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the hardest approval to secure was not a sporting director or manager, but his own father. “He didn’t want me playing soccer 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 deterred 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 – saw his potential instantly. Following Camara was named the best player in a local competition, Génération Foot were “shocked” to learn he was not tied down. They moved fast. “I was taken directly to the training centre. They didn’t want me from going back home,” Camara said.

A Landmark Season and Continental Breakthrough

That decision put him on a pathway to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” which began with Camara winning the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, though tired, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his country to the title and being named player of the tournament.

A month later, he was unveiled as Metz, emulating Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” says the 21-year-old. He has lived by himself in Europe, a choice his relatives support to maintain his concentration.

Influences and Playing Style

Off-field noise are not really a problem for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and exceptional playing qualities. Additionally, he's a big admirer of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and accuracy from dead-ball situations are notable assets. Camara confesses a need to control his competitive fire, after being sent off at the start of his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit that is following me!” he jokes.

Life at Monaco, Teammates and Future Goals

With his current club, he cherishes learning from 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,” he said.

Currently, his focus is firmly on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England on their soil…,” he says, pointing to a historic 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

Regarding a future move to the English top flight, he remains focused on Monaco at present. “I am very comfortable here,” he insists. However, he's often ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about targeting the senior Africa Player of the Year in the future.

“We are the favourites – that's the reality. If you beat England at Wembley… it instills confidence.”

Moving forward, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and big dreams as he aims to guide Senegal to Afcon success and build his own lasting legacy in the game.