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When I walk into the room, the young midfielder picks up a soccer ball he clings to until after our chat. It’s a simple symbol for a ambition he has always held onto. “My sole focus was football; I was focused solely on that,” states this Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and natural ability won over clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. Yet, the hardest approval to secure was not a club executive or coach, but his own father. “He was against me playing soccer simply because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Surmounting Initial Obstacles

In time, on “a special day,” Camara earned his dad's approval to chase his career in the sport. Another challenge was his modest frame, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a deal.

However, the famed academy – the institution that produced stars like 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 not tied down. They acted quickly. “They took me directly to the training centre. They prevented me from returning home,” he recalled.

A Landmark Season and Continental Arrival

This move put him on a pathway to Europe. His breakthrough came in 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with him lifting the CHAN trophy. 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 signed for FC Metz, emulating Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” says the 21-year-old. He has lived alone in Europe, a situation his relatives encourage 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. Additionally, he's a big admirer of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and precision from set pieces are notable assets. Camara confesses he must to temper his aggression, after being sent off at the start of his tenures at each French club. “It's a trait that is following me!” he quips.

Monaco, Mentors and Future Ambitions

With his current club, he values learning from veterans such as Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “When I heard Monaco were interested 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 team to beat – there's no denying it. After defeating England in their own country…,” he states, pointing to a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

Regarding a transfer to the English top flight, he is focused on Monaco for now. “I am very at ease here,” he insists. However, he's often ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. He laughs, but is serious about winning the senior Africa Player of the Year down the line.

“We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. Having beaten England at Wembley… it gives you belief.”

Moving forward, Lamine Camara blends humble beginnings, steely determination, and big dreams as he aims to lead Senegal to continental glory and build his own lasting legacy in the world of football.