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When I enter the space, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he won’t let go of throughout the conversation. It’s a simple symbol for a ambition he has never let slip. “My sole focus was football; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks the Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and natural ability won over teams such as Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. Yet, the most difficult person to convince didn't come from a club executive or manager, but his own father. “He was against me to play football but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Surmounting Initial Obstacles

Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his path in the game. A further barrier was his small stature, which deterred local club Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the institution that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After Camara was named the best player in a local competition, Génération Foot were “astonished” to discover he was not tied down. They moved fast. “They took me directly to the academy. They prevented me from returning home,” he recalled.

An Unforgettable Season and Continental Breakthrough

That decision set him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” starting with Camara winning the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his nation to victory and being named best player.

A month later, he signed for FC Metz, emulating Mané. “Settling in wasn't a problem,” states the 21-year-old. He has lived alone in Europe, a choice his relatives encourage to keep him focused.

Inspiration and On-Field Identity

Off-field noise are not really a concern for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and superb skills. 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 dead-ball situations are notable assets. Camara confesses a need to control his aggression, after being shown red at the start of his spells at each French club. “It is a habit that is following me!” he jokes.

Life at Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Ambitions

With his current club, he values learning from veterans such as Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I told myself we are fortunate,” Camara noted.

Currently, his focus is firmly on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – we can’t hide from that. After defeating England on their soil…,” he states, pointing to a historic 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

Regarding a transfer to the English top flight, he is focused on Monaco for now. “I feel really comfortable here,” he insists. However, he's frequently teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about targeting the senior Africa Player of the Year down the line.

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

Moving forward, Lamine Camara blends humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and big dreams as he aims to guide Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own lasting legacy in the game.