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When I walk into the room, Lamine Camara picks up a football he won’t let go of throughout the conversation. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for a ambition he has always held onto. “I only wanted the beautiful game; I was focused solely on that,” states the AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His determination and natural ability won over teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the hardest person to convince didn't come from a club executive or manager, it was from his dad. “He was against me playing soccer but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

In time, on “a special day,” Camara earned his dad's approval to pursue his career in the sport. A further barrier was his modest frame, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

However, the famed academy – the club that nurtured 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 training centre. They didn’t want me from going back to Casamance,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Year and European Breakthrough

That decision put him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, though tired, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his country to victory and being named player of the tournament.

A month later, he signed for Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a problem,” states the 21-year-old. He has lived by himself in Europe, a choice his family support to keep him focused.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Distractions aren't a concern for Camara, who draws inspiration from the Belgian maestro's “modesty” and superb playing qualities. Additionally, he's a big admirer of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and accuracy from dead-ball situations are notable assets. Camara confesses he must to temper his competitive fire, after being sent off at the start of his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit that is following me!” he jokes.

Life at Monaco, Mentors and Upcoming Goals

With his current club, he values the guidance of teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” he said.

Currently, his focus is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the favourites – there's no denying it. After defeating England on their soil…,” he says, referencing a historic 3-1 win in Nottingham.

Regarding a transfer to the English top flight, he is focused on Monaco at present. “I am very comfortable here,” he insists. He is frequently ribbed by Senegalese legend 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.

“We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. Having beaten England in their own country… it gives you confidence.”

Moving forward, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, steely determination, and grand ambitions targeting to lead Senegal to continental glory and build his own legendary path in the world of football.