🔗 Share this article

As I enter the room, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he won’t let go of until after the conversation. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for a ambition he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; my mind was set on nothing else,” states the AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His determination and natural ability convinced clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the hardest person to convince didn't come from a sporting director or manager, it was from his dad. “He was against me to play football simply because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Initial Obstacles

Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” he received his father’s blessing to chase his career in the sport. Another challenge was his modest frame, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a contract.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the club 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, the scouts were “shocked” to learn he was without a contract. They acted quickly. “I was taken straight to the academy. They prevented me from returning to Casamance,” Camara said.

A Landmark Year and Continental Arrival

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

A month later, he signed for FC Metz, emulating Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” states the 21-year-old. He resides alone in Europe, a situation his family encourage to keep him focused.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Off-field noise are not really a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and superb skills. He is also a huge fan of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and accuracy from set pieces are notable assets. He admits he must to temper his competitive fire, having been shown red at the start of his spells at each French club. “It is a habit that is following me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Teammates and Future Ambitions

With his current club, he values learning from veterans such as Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” he said.

Currently, his focus is squarely on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country…,” he says, referencing 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 ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about his two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about targeting the senior top prize down the line.

“The pressure is on us – that's the reality. Having beaten England in their own country… it gives you belief.”

Moving forward, Lamine Camara blends a modest start, steely determination, and grand ambitions targeting to guide Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own legendary path in the game.