🔗 Share this article

As I enter the room, Lamine Camara grabs a football he clings to throughout the conversation. This serves as 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 midfielder.

His resolve and raw talent convinced teams such as Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the hardest 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 but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Surmounting Initial Obstacles

In time, on “a special day,” Camara earned his father’s blessing to pursue his career in the sport. Another challenge was his small stature, which discouraged local club Casa Sports from giving him a deal.

However, the famed academy – the club that produced stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. Following Camara was named the best player in a local competition, the scouts were “astonished” to learn he was not tied down. They acted quickly. “They took me straight to the academy. They didn’t want me from going back to Casamance,” Camara said.

A Landmark Season and Continental Arrival

This move put him on a pathway to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Just weeks later, though tired, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, guiding his nation to the title and earning best player.

Soon after, he was unveiled as FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” says the youngster. He has lived alone in Europe, a choice his relatives support to keep him focused.

Influences and Playing Style

Off-field noise are not really a problem for Camara, who looks up to the Belgian maestro's “humility” and superb playing qualities. Additionally, he's a huge fan of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and precision from dead-ball situations are notable assets. Camara confesses he must to control his competitive fire, after being sent off early in his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait that is following me!” he quips.

Life at Monaco, Mentors and Upcoming Ambitions

With his current club, he values the guidance of veterans such as Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” he said.

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

On a potential future move to the English top flight, he is committed to Monaco for now. “I am very at ease here,” he affirms. He is frequently ribbed by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. He laughs, but is serious about targeting the senior Africa Player of the Year in the future.

“We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. Having beaten England in their own country… it instills belief.”

Looking ahead, Lamine Camara combines humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions as he aims to guide Senegal to Afcon success and build his own legendary path in the game.