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When I enter the room, the young midfielder grabs a soccer ball he clings to throughout our chat. It’s a powerful symbol for a dream he has always held onto. “My sole focus was the beautiful game; my mind was set on nothing else,” states 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 didn't come from a club executive or coach, it was from his dad. “He was against me to play football but it’s because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.

Surmounting Early Hurdles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his path in the game. A further barrier was his modest frame, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a deal.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the club that produced stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After Camara was named the MVP in a local competition, Génération Foot were “astonished” to learn he was without a contract. They moved fast. “They took me straight to the academy. They prevented me from going back home,” he recalled.

An Unforgettable Year and European Arrival

This move set him on a trajectory to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his country to victory and earning best player.

Soon after, he signed for Metz, emulating Mané. “Settling in wasn't a problem,” states the 21-year-old. He has lived by himself in Europe, a choice his relatives encourage to maintain his concentration.

Influences and Playing Style

Distractions are not really a problem for Camara, who looks up to the Belgian maestro's “modesty” and exceptional playing qualities. He is also a big admirer of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and precision from set pieces are notable assets. Camara confesses 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 that is following me!” he jokes.

Life at Monaco, Mentors and Upcoming Goals

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 told myself we are really lucky,” Camara noted.

Currently, attention is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the favourites – there's no denying it. If you beat England on their soil…,” he says, referencing a memorable 3-1 win in Nottingham.

On a potential transfer to the English top flight, he remains focused on Monaco at present. “I am very comfortable here,” he affirms. However, he's frequently ribbed by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. He laughs, yet remains determined about targeting the senior Africa Player of the Year in the future.

“The pressure is on us – that's the reality. Having beaten England at Wembley… it instills belief.”

Looking ahead, Lamine Camara combines humble beginnings, steely determination, and big dreams as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and build his own lasting legacy in the world of football.