🔗 Share this article

When I walk into the room, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he won’t let go of throughout our chat. This serves as a powerful visual metaphor for a dream he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” remarks this Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His determination and raw talent convinced clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the most difficult person to convince was not a sporting director or coach, but his own father. “He was against me playing soccer but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Surmounting Early Hurdles

Eventually, on “a special day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his career in the sport. Another challenge was his small stature, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a deal.

However, the famed academy – 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, the scouts were “astonished” to discover he was not tied down. They moved fast. “They took me straight to the academy. They didn’t want me from returning to Casamance,” Camara said.

A Landmark Season and Continental Arrival

That decision put him on a pathway to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” starting with Camara winning the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, though tired, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his nation to the title and being named player of the tournament.

A month later, he was unveiled as Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” states the youngster. He resides by himself in Europe, a situation his family encourage to maintain his concentration.

Influences and On-Field Identity

Off-field noise are not really a concern for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and exceptional skills. Additionally, he's a huge fan of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from dead-ball situations are key strengths. He admits a need to temper his competitive fire, after being sent off at the start of his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit that is following me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Goals

At Monaco, he cherishes the guidance of teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I told myself we are fortunate,” Camara noted.

Currently, his focus is squarely on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – there's no denying it. If you beat England in their own country…,” he says, referencing a memorable 3-1 win in Nottingham.

Regarding a future move to the Premier League, he is committed to Monaco for now. “I feel really at ease here,” he affirms. He is often teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. He laughs, yet remains determined about winning the main Africa Player of the Year down the line.

“The pressure is on us – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country… it instills belief.”

Looking ahead, Lamine Camara combines humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions as he aims to guide Senegal to Afcon success and build his own lasting legacy in the world of football.