🔗 Share this article

When I walk into the room, the young midfielder picks up a football he clings to until after our chat. This serves as a simple visual metaphor for a ambition he has never let slip. “I only wanted the beautiful game; I was focused solely on that,” remarks this AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His resolve and raw talent convinced clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. Yet, the hardest person to convince didn't come from a club executive or manager, it was from his dad. “He was against me to play football simply because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Initial Obstacles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” he received his dad's approval to pursue his path in the game. A further barrier was his modest frame, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a contract.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the club that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After Camara was named the MVP in a local competition, Génération Foot were “shocked” to discover he was without a contract. They acted quickly. “They took me directly to the training centre. They prevented me from returning to Casamance,” he recalled.

A Landmark Season and Continental Breakthrough

That decision put him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with him lifting the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he played in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his nation to victory and earning player of the tournament.

A month later, he was unveiled as FC Metz, emulating Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” states the 21-year-old. He resides alone in Europe, a choice his relatives encourage to maintain his concentration.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Distractions are not really a concern for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and exceptional playing qualities. Additionally, he's a huge fan of players like 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 control his aggression, after being sent off early in his spells at each French club. “It's a trait that is following me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Teammates and Future Goals

At Monaco, he values the guidance of teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” Camara noted.

Currently, his focus is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – there's no denying it. After defeating England in their own country…,” he says, referencing a historic 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

Regarding a future move to the Premier League, he remains focused on Monaco for now. “I am very comfortable here,” he affirms. He is often teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about winning the main top prize down the line.

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

Looking ahead, Lamine Camara blends humble beginnings, steely determination, and big dreams targeting to guide Senegal to Afcon success and build his own lasting legacy in the game.