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As I enter the space, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he clings to until after the conversation. It’s a simple visual metaphor for a dream he has always held onto. “My sole focus was football; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks the AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His resolve and natural ability won over clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the hardest approval to secure was not a club executive or manager, but his own father. “He didn’t want me to play football but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

In time, on “a special day,” Camara earned his father’s blessing to chase his path in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which deterred local club Casa Sports from offering him a contract.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the institution that nurtured stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. Following he earned the MVP in a local competition, the scouts were “astonished” to discover he was without a contract. They moved fast. “I was taken straight to the training centre. They prevented me from going back home,” he recalled.

An Unforgettable Year and European Breakthrough

That decision put him on a pathway to Europe. His breakthrough came in 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, though tired, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his country to the title and being named player of the tournament.

Soon after, he signed for FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” states the 21-year-old. He resides alone in Europe, a choice his family support to keep him focused.

Influences and Playing Style

Off-field noise aren't a problem for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and exceptional playing qualities. He is also a huge fan of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

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

Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Ambitions

With his current club, he values the guidance of teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I thought we are fortunate,” he said.

Currently, attention is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England on their soil…,” he states, referencing a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the Premier League, he remains focused on Monaco for now. “I am very at ease here,” he insists. However, he's often teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. He laughs, but is serious about targeting the main top prize in the future.

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

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