🔗 Share this article

When I walk into the space, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he clings to until after our chat. It’s a powerful symbol for a dream he has never let slip. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” remarks this Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and natural ability won over teams such as Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the most difficult approval to secure didn't come from a club executive or manager, but his own father. “He was against me to play football simply because he had never watched me,” says Camara.

Overcoming Initial Obstacles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” he received his father’s blessing to chase his career in the sport. A further barrier was his small stature, which deterred local club Casa Sports from offering him a contract.

However, the famed academy – the institution that produced stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. Following he earned the best player in a local competition, Génération Foot were “astonished” to discover he was without a contract. They acted quickly. “They took me straight to the academy. They didn’t want me from returning to Casamance,” Camara said.

A Landmark Year and Continental Breakthrough

This move set him on a pathway to Europe. His breakthrough came in 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with him lifting the CHAN trophy. Shortly after, though tired, he played in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his country to victory and earning best player.

A month later, he was unveiled as Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” states the 21-year-old. He has lived alone in Europe, a situation his family support to keep him focused.

Influences and Playing Style

Distractions are not really a problem for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and exceptional skills. He is also a huge fan of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

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

Life at Monaco, Mentors and Future Goals

At Monaco, he values the guidance of veterans such as Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest in Pogba, I told myself 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. If you beat England on their soil…,” he says, referencing a historic 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

Regarding a future move to the Premier League, he remains committed to Monaco for now. “I am very comfortable here,” he insists. However, he's often ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about targeting the main top prize in the future.

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

Moving forward, this talented midfielder combines a modest start, steely determination, and big dreams as he aims to guide Senegal to continental glory and build his own legendary path in the game.