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As I enter the room, Lamine Camara grabs 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 the beautiful game; my mind was set on nothing else,” states this AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and natural ability won over teams such as Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the hardest approval to secure didn't come from a club executive or manager, it was from his dad. “He was against me to play football but it’s because he had never watched me,” says Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

In time, on “a special day,” he received his dad's approval to pursue his career in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a contract.

However, the famed academy – the institution that nurtured stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After Camara was named the best player in a local competition, the scouts were “astonished” to discover he was not tied down. They acted quickly. “They took me directly to the academy. They prevented me from returning home,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Year and European Arrival

That decision put him on a trajectory to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with Camara winning the African Nations Championship. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his country to the title and being named player of the tournament.

A month later, he was unveiled as Metz, emulating Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” says the youngster. He resides by himself in Europe, a choice his relatives encourage to keep him focused.

Influences and On-Field Identity

Distractions are not really a concern for Camara, who looks up to the Belgian maestro's “humility” and superb playing qualities. He is also 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 notable assets. He admits a need to control his aggression, having been sent off at the start of his spells at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait I carry with me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Mentors and Future Goals

With his current club, he values learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest 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 in their own country…,” he says, pointing to a historic 3-1 win in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the English top flight, he remains focused on Monaco for now. “I feel really comfortable here,” he insists. However, he's often teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about targeting the senior Africa Player of the Year in the future.

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

Looking ahead, Lamine Camara combines a modest start, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions targeting to guide Senegal to Afcon success and build his own legendary path in the game.