🔗 Share this article

When I walk into the room, the young midfielder grabs a football he clings to throughout our chat. It’s a powerful symbol for a dream he has always held onto. “I only wanted the beautiful game; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks this Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His determination and natural ability convinced teams such as Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the hardest approval to secure was not a sporting director or manager, it was from his dad. “He didn’t want me to play football simply because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his path in the sport. A further barrier was his modest frame, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a deal.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the institution that nurtured stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. Following he earned the MVP in a regional tournament, the scouts were “astonished” to learn he was without a contract. They acted quickly. “I was taken straight to the academy. They prevented me from going back to Casamance,” he recalled.

An Unforgettable Season and Continental Arrival

This move set him on a trajectory to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, guiding his country to victory and earning best player.

Soon after, he signed for Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” states the 21-year-old. He resides by himself in Europe, a choice his relatives support to keep him focused.

Influences and Playing Style

Distractions aren't a concern for Camara, who draws inspiration from the Belgian maestro's “humility” and superb skills. He is also 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. He admits he must to control his competitive fire, after being sent off early in his spells at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit that is following me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Goals

At Monaco, he values learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” Camara noted.

Currently, attention is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the favourites – there's no denying it. After defeating England in their own country…,” he states, referencing a historic 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

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

“We are the favourites – that's the reality. If you beat England at Wembley… it gives you confidence.”

Moving forward, Lamine Camara combines a modest start, steely determination, and grand ambitions as he aims to guide Senegal to Afcon success and build his own legendary path in the game.