When I walk into the space, the young midfielder grabs a football he won’t let go of throughout our chat. This serves as a powerful visual metaphor for a ambition he has always held onto. “My sole focus was the beautiful game; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks the AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.
His determination and raw talent won over teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the hardest approval to secure didn't come from a sporting director or manager, but his own father. “He didn’t want me playing soccer but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.
Eventually, on “a special day,” he received his dad's approval to chase his path in the sport. A further barrier was his small stature, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a deal.
However, the famed academy – the institution that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After he earned the MVP in a regional tournament, Génération Foot were “shocked” to discover he was without a contract. They moved fast. “They took me directly to the training centre. They didn’t want me from going back home,” Camara said.
This move put him on a pathway to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with Camara winning the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, though tired, he played in the Under-20s Afcon, guiding his country to the title and being named best player.
Soon after, he signed for Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” says the 21-year-old. He has lived by himself in Europe, a choice his family support to keep him focused.
Distractions aren't a concern for Camara, who draws inspiration from the Belgian maestro's “humility” and superb skills. Additionally, he's a huge fan of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.
His powerful shot and accuracy from set pieces are notable assets. Camara confesses a need to temper his aggression, after being sent off early in his tenures at each French club. “It's a trait that is following me!” he quips.
At Monaco, he cherishes learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “When I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” he said.
Currently, attention is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the favourites – there's no denying it. If you beat England on their soil…,” he states, pointing to a historic 3-1 win in Nottingham.
Regarding a future move to the English top flight, he remains committed to Monaco for now. “I am very comfortable here,” he insists. He is often ribbed by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about his two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. He laughs, but is serious about winning the senior top prize down the line.
“The pressure is on us – that's the reality. Having beaten England at Wembley… it gives you belief.”
Looking ahead, Lamine Camara combines a modest start, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions targeting to guide Senegal to continental glory and forge his own lasting legacy in the world of football.
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