🔗 Share this article

When I walk into the room, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he clings to until after our chat. It’s a simple symbol for a dream he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” states this AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His determination and natural ability convinced clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the most difficult person to convince was not a sporting director or manager, but his own father. “He didn’t want me playing soccer simply because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Surmounting Early Hurdles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” Camara earned his dad's approval to chase his career in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a deal.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the club that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After Camara was named the best player in a local competition, the scouts were “astonished” to discover he was not tied down. They moved fast. “I was taken straight to the academy. They didn’t want me from going back home,” he recalled.

A Landmark Year and European Breakthrough

That decision set him on a trajectory 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 played in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his country to the title and being named player of the tournament.

A month later, he signed for FC Metz, emulating Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” says the youngster. He resides by himself in Europe, a situation his family support to keep him focused.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Distractions aren't a problem for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and exceptional playing qualities. He is also a huge fan of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and accuracy from dead-ball situations are key strengths. He admits he must to control his competitive fire, after being shown red early in his spells at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait I carry with me!” he quips.

Life at Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Ambitions

With his current club, he cherishes learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I told myself we are fortunate,” Camara noted.

Currently, his focus is squarely on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country…,” he states, pointing to a historic 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the English top flight, he is committed to Monaco at present. “I feel really at ease here,” he insists. However, he's often teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about targeting the main Africa Player of the Year down the line.

“We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England at Wembley… it instills belief.”

Moving forward, Lamine Camara blends a modest start, unwavering focus, and big dreams as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and build his own legendary path in the game.