🔗 Share this article

When I enter the room, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he won’t let go of until after the conversation. This serves as a powerful visual metaphor for a ambition he has always held onto. “I only wanted the beautiful game; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks this Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His resolve and raw talent won over teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the most difficult approval to secure didn't come from a club executive or coach, but his own father. “He was against me playing soccer simply because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Surmounting Initial Obstacles

Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” he received his dad's approval to pursue his path in the sport. Another challenge was his modest frame, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a deal.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the institution that produced stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After he earned the MVP in a regional tournament, Génération Foot were “shocked” to learn he was not tied down. They moved fast. “They took me straight to the academy. They prevented me from going back home,” Camara said.

A Landmark Year and Continental Arrival

That decision set him on a trajectory to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with him lifting the CHAN trophy. Shortly after, though tired, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his nation to victory and being named player of the tournament.

Soon after, he was unveiled as FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” states the youngster. He resides alone in Europe, a situation his family encourage to keep him focused.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Off-field noise aren't a concern for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and exceptional skills. Additionally, he's a big admirer of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from set pieces are notable assets. He admits he must to control his competitive fire, having been shown red early in his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait I carry with me!” he jokes.

Life at 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,” he said.

Right now, attention is firmly on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. After defeating England in their own country…,” he states, referencing a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the Premier League, he remains committed to Monaco for now. “I feel really at ease here,” he affirms. However, he's frequently teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, but is serious 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.”

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