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When I walk into the room, the young midfielder grabs a soccer ball he won’t let go of throughout our chat. This serves as a simple symbol for a ambition he has never let slip. “I only wanted the beautiful game; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks this AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and natural ability won over clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the hardest approval to secure didn't come from a club executive or coach, it was from his dad. “He was against me to play football but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” Camara earned his father’s blessing to pursue his path in the game. A further barrier was his small stature, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a contract.

However, Génération Foot – the club that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After Camara was named the MVP in a regional tournament, Génération Foot were “astonished” to discover he was not tied down. They acted quickly. “They took me straight to the academy. They didn’t want me from returning home,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Season and Continental Arrival

This move set him on a trajectory to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” starting with Camara winning the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his country to victory and being named best player.

A month later, he was unveiled as FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” says the youngster. He has lived alone in Europe, a situation his relatives encourage to maintain his concentration.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Distractions are not really a concern for Camara, who looks up to the Belgian maestro's “humility” and superb playing qualities. He is also a huge fan of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from set pieces are notable assets. Camara confesses a need to control his competitive fire, after being sent off early in his spells at each French club. “It's a trait I carry with me!” he jokes.

Life at Monaco, Mentors and Future Ambitions

At Monaco, he cherishes learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are fortunate,” he said.

Currently, attention is squarely 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, pointing to a historic 3-1 win in Nottingham.

Regarding a transfer to the English top flight, he is committed to Monaco at present. “I am very comfortable here,” he affirms. However, he's often teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about winning the senior top prize down the line.

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

Moving forward, Lamine Camara combines humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and build his own lasting legacy in the game.