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When I enter the room, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he clings to until after our chat. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for a ambition he has never let slip. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” states the AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and raw talent convinced clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the most difficult approval to secure didn't come from a sporting director or coach, it was from his dad. “He was against me playing soccer simply because he had never watched me,” says Camara.

Surmounting Early Hurdles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his path in the sport. A further barrier was his small stature, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

However, the famed academy – the institution that nurtured stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. Following Camara was named the MVP in a regional tournament, the scouts were “astonished” to discover he was not tied down. They acted quickly. “They took me directly to the academy. They prevented me from returning home,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Year and Continental Breakthrough

That decision put him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough came in 2023, “an unforgettable year,” starting with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, though tired, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his country to victory and earning player of the tournament.

Soon after, he signed for FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” states the 21-year-old. He has lived by himself in Europe, a choice his family support to maintain his concentration.

Influences and Playing Style

Distractions aren't a concern for Camara, who looks up to the Belgian maestro's “modesty” and superb skills. He is also a huge fan of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from set pieces are notable assets. Camara confesses he must to control his competitive fire, after being shown red at the start of his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait I carry with me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Teammates and Future Ambitions

With his current club, he cherishes learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” he said.

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

On a potential transfer to the Premier League, he is focused on Monaco at present. “I am very comfortable here,” he insists. He is often teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. He laughs, yet remains determined about winning the main top prize in the future.

“We are the favourites – that's the reality. Having beaten England at Wembley… it gives you belief.”

Moving forward, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, steely determination, and big dreams as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own legendary path in the game.