🔗 Share this article

When I walk into the room, Lamine Camara picks up a football he won’t let go of throughout the conversation. This serves as 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 this Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and raw talent won over teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the most difficult approval to secure was not a club executive or coach, it was from his dad. “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 father’s blessing to chase his career in the sport. A further barrier was his small stature, which deterred local club Casa Sports from giving him a deal.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the institution that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After he earned the best player in a local competition, the scouts were “shocked” to learn he was without a contract. They moved fast. “I was taken straight to the training centre. They prevented me from returning home,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Year 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 competed in the Under-20s Afcon, guiding his country to the title and being named best player.

Soon after, he signed for FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” says the youngster. He has lived alone in Europe, a situation his relatives encourage to maintain his concentration.

Inspiration and On-Field Identity

Off-field noise are not really a concern for Camara, who draws inspiration from the Belgian maestro's “modesty” and exceptional skills. 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 set pieces are key strengths. Camara confesses he must to control his aggression, after being sent off early in his tenures at each French club. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Future Ambitions

At Monaco, he values the guidance of teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I told myself we are really lucky,” he said.

Right now, attention is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – there's no denying it. After defeating England on their soil…,” he states, referencing a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential transfer to the Premier League, he is committed to Monaco at present. “I feel really comfortable here,” he affirms. However, he's often ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. He laughs, but is serious about targeting the senior top prize down the line.

“The pressure is on us – that's the reality. Having beaten England at Wembley… it instills belief.”

Looking ahead, this talented midfielder blends humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions targeting to guide Senegal to Afcon success and build his own legendary path in the world of football.