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As I enter the room, Lamine Camara grabs a football he won’t let go of throughout our chat. This serves as a powerful symbol for a dream he has always held onto. “My sole focus was football; I was focused solely on that,” remarks the Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and raw talent won over teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. 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,” explains Camara.

Surmounting Initial Obstacles

In time, on “a special day,” he received his dad's approval to chase his path in the game. A further barrier was his small stature, which deterred local club Casa Sports from offering him a contract.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the club that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. Following Camara was named the best player in a regional tournament, Génération Foot were “astonished” to discover he was not tied down. They moved fast. “I was taken directly to the academy. They didn’t want me from going back to Casamance,” Camara said.

A Landmark Season and Continental Arrival

This move put him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” starting with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his nation to victory and earning best player.

A month later, he signed for Metz, emulating Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” says the 21-year-old. He has lived alone in Europe, a situation his family support to keep him focused.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Distractions aren't a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and superb skills. 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 accuracy from dead-ball situations are key strengths. He admits a need to control his competitive fire, having been shown red at the start of his spells at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait that is following me!” he jokes.

Life at Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Ambitions

With his current club, 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,” Camara noted.

Currently, attention is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – there's no denying it. After defeating England on their soil…,” he states, referencing a historic 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential transfer to the English top flight, he remains focused on Monaco at present. “I feel really at ease here,” he affirms. However, he's often ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about targeting the main top prize down the line.

“We are the favourites – that's the reality. Having beaten England in their own country… it gives you confidence.”

Looking ahead, Lamine Camara blends humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions targeting to lead Senegal to Afcon success and build his own lasting legacy in the game.