🔗 Share this article

When I walk into the room, Lamine Camara picks up a football he won’t let go of throughout our chat. This serves as a simple visual metaphor for a ambition he has never let slip. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” remarks the AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and raw talent won over teams such as Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. 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 to play football but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Overcoming Initial Obstacles

Eventually, on “a special day,” Camara earned his dad's approval to chase his career in the sport. Another challenge was his small stature, which deterred local club Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

However, Génération Foot – the institution that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After Camara was named the best player in a local competition, Génération Foot were “astonished” to discover he was without a contract. They moved fast. “I was taken straight to the academy. They didn’t want me from returning home,” he recalled.

An Unforgettable Year and European Breakthrough

This move set him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough was 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 nation to the title and earning player of the tournament.

Soon after, he signed for FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a problem,” states the 21-year-old. He resides by himself in Europe, a situation his relatives encourage to keep him focused.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Off-field noise aren't a concern for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” 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 powerful shot and precision from set pieces are key strengths. He admits a need to control his competitive fire, having been 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 Future Ambitions

At Monaco, he values learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I told myself we are really lucky,” he said.

Right now, attention is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. After defeating England on their soil…,” he states, referencing a historic 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential transfer to the Premier League, he remains focused on Monaco for now. “I am very at ease here,” he affirms. However, he's often teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about winning the main Africa Player of the Year in the future.

“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 combines humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and big dreams targeting to lead Senegal to continental glory and forge his own lasting legacy in the world of football.