🔗 Share this article

When I enter the room, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he clings to until after our chat. This serves as a simple visual metaphor for a dream he has always held onto. “I only wanted the beautiful game; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks the AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His resolve and natural ability won over clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. Yet, the hardest approval to secure didn't come from a sporting director or manager, it was from his dad. “He was against me playing soccer but it’s because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Initial Obstacles

Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” Camara earned his father’s blessing to chase his path in the sport. Another challenge was his modest frame, which discouraged local club Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the institution that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After he earned the best player in a regional tournament, Génération Foot were “astonished” to discover he was without a contract. They moved fast. “They took me straight to the training centre. They didn’t want me from returning home,” Camara said.

A Landmark Year and Continental Breakthrough

This move set him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Just weeks later, though tired, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his country to victory and earning player of the tournament.

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

Inspiration and Playing Style

Off-field noise are not really a problem for Camara, who looks up to the Belgian maestro's “humility” and superb skills. He is also a big admirer of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from set pieces are key strengths. He admits he must to temper his competitive fire, after being sent off at the start of his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he quips.

Life at Monaco, Mentors and Future Ambitions

At Monaco, he values the guidance of veterans such as Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are fortunate,” he said.

Currently, attention is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – there's no denying it. After defeating England on their soil…,” he states, pointing to a memorable 3-1 win in Nottingham.

Regarding a transfer to the English top flight, he remains focused on Monaco for now. “I feel really at ease here,” he affirms. However, he's often teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about targeting the main top prize down the line.

“The pressure is on us – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country… it gives you belief.”

Moving forward, Lamine Camara blends humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and big dreams targeting to guide Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own lasting legacy in the world of football.