🔗 Share this article

When I enter the room, the young midfielder grabs a football he won’t let go of throughout the conversation. It’s a simple symbol for a dream he has never let slip. “I only wanted football; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks this AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His resolve and raw talent convinced teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the hardest approval to secure was not a sporting director or coach, but his own father. “He didn’t want me playing soccer but it’s because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.

Surmounting Initial Obstacles

In time, on “one beautiful 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 deal.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the club that produced stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. Following he earned the MVP in a regional tournament, Génération Foot were “shocked” to learn he was not tied down. They moved fast. “I was taken straight to the training centre. They didn’t want me from returning to Casamance,” he recalled.

An Unforgettable Year and European Breakthrough

This move put him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough came in 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, though tired, he played in the Under-20s Afcon, guiding his country to the title and earning best player.

A month later, he was unveiled as Metz, emulating Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” states the 21-year-old. He has lived alone in Europe, a choice his relatives encourage to keep him focused.

Influences and On-Field Identity

Off-field noise aren't a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from the Belgian maestro's “modesty” and superb skills. He is also a big admirer of players like 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 a need to control his aggression, after being sent off early in his spells at each French club. “It is a habit that is following me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Goals

With his current club, he cherishes learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I told myself 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. After defeating England in their own country…,” he states, referencing a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential transfer to the English top flight, he remains focused on Monaco at present. “I am very comfortable here,” he insists. He is often ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about targeting the senior Africa Player of the Year down the line.

“We are the favourites – that's the reality. If you beat England in their own country… it instills belief.”

Looking ahead, Lamine Camara combines a modest start, steely determination, and big dreams targeting to lead Senegal to continental glory and forge his own lasting legacy in the game.