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When I walk into the space, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he clings to throughout the conversation. It’s a simple symbol for a ambition he has always held onto. “I only wanted the beautiful game; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks the AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His resolve and natural ability convinced teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the hardest approval to secure didn't come from a sporting director or coach, but his own father. “He didn’t want me to play football but it’s because he had never watched me,” says Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

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

However, the famed academy – the institution that nurtured stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After he earned the best player in a local competition, the scouts were “astonished” to discover he was not tied down. They moved fast. “I was taken directly to the training centre. They prevented me from returning home,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Season and European Arrival

That decision put him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” which began with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Shortly after, though tired, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his country to the title and being named player of the tournament.

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

Influences and Playing Style

Off-field noise are not really a concern for Camara, who looks up to the Belgian maestro's “humility” and superb playing qualities. Additionally, he's a huge fan of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and precision from dead-ball situations are notable assets. Camara confesses he must to control his aggression, after being sent off early in his spells at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit that is following me!” he jokes.

Life at Monaco, Teammates and Future Goals

At Monaco, he values learning from veterans such as Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are fortunate,” he said.

Currently, his focus is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – there's no denying it. After defeating England in their own country…,” he says, pointing to a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

Regarding a transfer to the English top flight, he remains focused on Monaco at present. “I am very comfortable here,” he affirms. He is often teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about winning the senior Africa Player of the Year down the line.

“The pressure is on us – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England at Wembley… it instills confidence.”

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