When I walk into the space, Lamine Camara picks up a football he clings to until after the conversation. This serves as a simple symbol for a dream he has never let slip. “I only wanted the beautiful game; I was focused solely on that,” states the Monaco and Senegal playmaker.
His determination and natural ability convinced clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the hardest person to convince didn't come from a sporting director or coach, but his own father. “He was against me playing soccer simply because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.
Eventually, on “a special day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his path in the sport. A further barrier was his small stature, which discouraged local club Casa Sports from giving him a contract.
However, the famed academy – the club that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. Following Camara was named the best player in a regional tournament, the scouts were “astonished” to discover he was without a contract. They acted quickly. “They took me directly to the training centre. They prevented me from going back home,” Camara said.
That decision set him on a pathway to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he played in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his nation to victory and being named best player.
A month later, he signed for FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” states the youngster. He resides by himself in Europe, a choice his relatives encourage to keep him focused.
Off-field noise are not really a problem for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and superb playing qualities. Additionally, he's a big admirer of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.
His ball striking and precision from dead-ball situations are key strengths. He admits a need to control his aggression, after being shown red early in his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit that is following me!” he quips.
At Monaco, he values the guidance of veterans such as Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are fortunate,” he said.
Currently, attention is firmly on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. After defeating England in their own country…,” he says, pointing to a historic 3-1 victory in Nottingham.
Regarding a transfer to the English top flight, he remains committed to Monaco at present. “I feel really at ease here,” he insists. He is often teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about his 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 – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England at Wembley… it instills confidence.”
Looking ahead, this talented midfielder blends a modest start, steely determination, and grand ambitions targeting to guide Senegal to continental glory and build his own legendary path in the game.
Elara is a passionate writer and photographer who shares insights on creativity and mindful living through engaging storytelling.
