🔗 Share this article

When I enter the room, the young midfielder grabs a football he clings to until after the conversation. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for a ambition he has always held onto. “I only wanted the beautiful game; my mind was set on nothing else,” states this AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His determination and natural ability convinced teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the hardest approval to secure didn't come from a sporting director 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.

Surmounting Initial Obstacles

In time, on “a special day,” he received his father’s blessing to chase his path in the game. A further barrier was his small stature, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a deal.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the institution that nurtured stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After 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 prevented me from returning to Casamance,” Camara said.

A Landmark Season and Continental Arrival

This move set him on a trajectory to Europe. A defining period came in 2023, “an unforgettable year,” starting with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his nation to the title and earning best player.

Soon after, he was unveiled as Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” says the 21-year-old. He has lived alone in Europe, a situation his relatives encourage to maintain his concentration.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Off-field noise aren't a problem for Camara, who looks up to the Belgian maestro's “humility” and superb playing qualities. Additionally, he's a big admirer of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from set pieces are notable assets. Camara confesses he must to control his competitive fire, after being shown red early in his spells at each French club. “It is a habit that is following me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Mentors and Upcoming Ambitions

With his current club, he values the guidance of teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are fortunate,” Camara noted.

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

Regarding a future move to the English top flight, he is focused on Monaco at present. “I feel really at ease here,” he affirms. However, he's frequently ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. He laughs, but is serious about winning the main Africa Player of the Year in the future.

“We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. Having beaten England at Wembley… it instills confidence.”

Looking ahead, Lamine Camara blends humble beginnings, steely determination, and grand ambitions targeting to guide Senegal to continental glory and forge his own lasting legacy in the game.