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When I walk into the room, Lamine Camara picks up a football he clings to throughout our chat. This serves as a simple symbol for a dream he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks this Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and natural ability won over clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the most difficult approval to secure was not a sporting director or manager, but his own father. “He was against me to play football simply because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Initial Obstacles

Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” he received his dad's approval to chase his path in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a deal.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the club that nurtured stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After he earned the best player in a regional tournament, the scouts were “shocked” to discover he was not tied down. They moved fast. “They took me straight to the academy. They prevented me from going back home,” he recalled.

A Landmark Season and European Breakthrough

That decision put him on a trajectory to Europe. A defining period came in 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with him lifting the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he played in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his country to victory and earning best player.

Soon after, he signed for FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” says the youngster. He resides by himself in Europe, a choice his family encourage to maintain his concentration.

Inspiration and On-Field Identity

Distractions are not really a problem for Camara, who looks up to the Belgian maestro's “modesty” and exceptional skills. Additionally, he's a big admirer of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and accuracy from set pieces are key strengths. Camara confesses he must to control his competitive fire, having been sent off at the start of his spells at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait I carry with me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Future Goals

At Monaco, he cherishes the guidance of teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” Camara noted.

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

On a potential future move to the English top flight, he is committed to Monaco at present. “I feel really comfortable here,” he affirms. However, he's frequently ribbed by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about targeting the main top prize in the future.

“We are the favourites – that's the reality. Having beaten England at Wembley… it instills belief.”

Moving forward, Lamine Camara combines a modest start, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own lasting legacy in the world of football.