🔗 Share this article

When I enter the room, Lamine Camara grabs a soccer ball he won’t let go of until after the conversation. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for a dream he has never let slip. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” states this Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His determination and raw talent convinced clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the hardest person to convince was not a club executive or manager, but his own father. “He didn’t want me to play football but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

In time, on “a special day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his path in the sport. Another challenge was his modest frame, which deterred local club Casa Sports from offering him a deal.

However, the famed academy – the institution that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. Following he earned the best player in a regional tournament, Génération Foot were “astonished” to learn he was not tied down. They acted quickly. “I was taken straight to the training centre. They didn’t want me from going back home,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Season and Continental Breakthrough

That decision set him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period came in 2023, “an unforgettable year,” which began with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his nation to the title and earning player of the tournament.

Soon after, he was unveiled as FC Metz, emulating Mané. “Settling in wasn't a problem,” says the youngster. He has lived by himself in Europe, a choice his family encourage to keep him focused.

Influences and Playing Style

Off-field noise are not really a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and superb skills. He is also a big admirer of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and accuracy from dead-ball situations are notable assets. He admits a need to control his competitive fire, after being sent off at the start of his spells at each French club. “It's a trait I carry with me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Goals

With his current club, he values the guidance of teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “When I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” Camara noted.

Right now, attention is squarely on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country…,” he says, pointing to a memorable 3-1 win in Nottingham.

Regarding a future move to the Premier League, he remains focused on Monaco for now. “I am very comfortable here,” he insists. He is frequently ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about targeting the senior top prize in the future.

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

Moving forward, Lamine Camara combines a modest start, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions as he aims to guide Senegal to continental glory and forge his own legendary path in the world of football.