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When I enter the space, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he clings to throughout our chat. This serves as a simple symbol for a ambition he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” states this Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

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

Overcoming Early Hurdles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” Camara earned his dad's approval to pursue his path in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which discouraged local club Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the club that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After he earned the best player in a local competition, the scouts were “astonished” to discover he was without a contract. They acted quickly. “I was taken straight to the academy. They prevented me from going back to Casamance,” Camara said.

A Landmark Season and European Arrival

That decision put him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough came in 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with Camara winning the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his nation to the title and being named best player.

Soon after, he was unveiled as Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” says the 21-year-old. He resides alone in Europe, a situation his family support to maintain his concentration.

Influences and Playing Style

Distractions aren't a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and superb skills. He is also a huge fan of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and accuracy from set pieces are notable assets. He admits he must to control his aggression, after being shown red early in his spells at each French club. “It is a habit that is following me!” he quips.

Monaco, Mentors and Future Goals

With his current club, he cherishes the guidance of teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “When I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I thought we are fortunate,” he said.

Right now, 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 on their soil…,” he says, referencing a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the Premier League, he is focused on Monaco for now. “I am very comfortable here,” he affirms. However, he's frequently teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about his two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about winning the senior Africa Player of the Year in the future.

“We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England at Wembley… it instills belief.”

Moving forward, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, steely determination, and big dreams as he aims to guide Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own legendary path in the world of football.