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When I walk into the space, Lamine Camara grabs a football he won’t let go of 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 the AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His resolve and natural ability convinced clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the hardest person to convince was not a sporting director or manager, it was from his dad. “He was against me to play football but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

In time, on “a special day,” he received his dad's approval to chase his path in the sport. Another challenge was his modest frame, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the club that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. Following he earned the MVP in a local competition, the scouts were “shocked” to learn he was without a contract. They moved fast. “They took me straight to the training centre. They prevented me from going back home,” he recalled.

A Landmark Year and Continental Arrival

This move set him on a pathway to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” which began with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, though tired, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his nation to victory and earning player of the tournament.

A month later, he was unveiled as FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” says the 21-year-old. He resides by himself in Europe, a choice his family encourage to maintain his concentration.

Influences and Playing Style

Distractions aren't a problem for Camara, who looks up to the Belgian maestro's “modesty” and exceptional skills. He is also a huge fan 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. He admits he must to control his competitive fire, having been shown red early in his tenures at each French club. “It is a habit that is following me!” he jokes.

Life at Monaco, Teammates and Future Goals

With his current club, he values learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” he said.

Currently, his focus is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the favourites – there's no denying it. If you beat England in their own country…,” he states, referencing a memorable 3-1 win in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the English top flight, he remains focused on Monaco at present. “I feel really at ease here,” he insists. However, he's often teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about targeting the senior top prize down the line.

“We are the favourites – that's the reality. Having beaten England in their own country… it gives you belief.”

Moving forward, Lamine Camara blends humble beginnings, steely determination, and grand ambitions as he aims to guide Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own lasting legacy in the game.