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As I enter the room, the young midfielder grabs a soccer ball he won’t let go of throughout the conversation. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for a dream he has never let slip. “My sole focus was football; I was focused solely on that,” remarks the AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and raw talent won over clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the most difficult approval to secure was not a club executive or coach, it was from his dad. “He didn’t want me playing soccer but it’s because he had never watched me,” says Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

Eventually, on “a special day,” Camara earned his father’s blessing to pursue his career in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the club that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After Camara was named the best player in a regional tournament, Génération Foot were “astonished” to discover he was not tied down. They moved fast. “They took me straight to the academy. They prevented me from going back to Casamance,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Season and European Arrival

That decision set him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with Camara winning the African Nations Championship. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his nation to victory and being named best player.

Soon after, he signed for FC Metz, emulating Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” states the 21-year-old. He has lived by himself in Europe, a situation his relatives support to keep him focused.

Influences and Playing Style

Distractions are not really a concern for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and superb playing qualities. He is also a big admirer of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and accuracy from set pieces are key strengths. Camara confesses a need to temper his aggression, having been shown red at the start of his spells at each French club. “It's a trait I carry with me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Teammates and Future Goals

At Monaco, 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 really lucky,” Camara noted.

Right now, his focus 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 victory in Nottingham.

Regarding a transfer to the English top flight, he is focused on Monaco for now. “I feel really at ease here,” he affirms. However, he's often ribbed by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. He laughs, but is serious about targeting the senior top prize down the line.

“The pressure is on us – that's the reality. Having beaten England in their own country… it instills confidence.”

Moving forward, Lamine Camara blends a modest start, unwavering focus, and big dreams targeting to lead Senegal to Afcon success and build his own lasting legacy in the game.