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When I walk into the room, Lamine Camara picks up a football he won’t let go of until after the conversation. It’s a simple visual metaphor for a dream he has never let slip. “My sole focus was football; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks the AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and raw talent won over clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the hardest person to convince didn't come from a club executive or coach, it was from his dad. “He was against me to play football simply because he had never watched me,” says Camara.

Surmounting Early Hurdles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his career in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a deal.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the club that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After he earned the MVP in a regional tournament, the scouts were “astonished” to learn he was without a contract. They moved fast. “I was taken straight to the training centre. They prevented me from going back to Casamance,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Year and European Breakthrough

That decision put him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” starting with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Just weeks later, though tired, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his country to victory and being named player of the tournament.

A month later, he was unveiled as FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” says the 21-year-old. He resides by himself in Europe, a situation his family encourage to keep him focused.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Distractions aren't a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and superb playing qualities. He is also a huge fan 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 he must to control his competitive fire, after being shown red early in his tenures at each French club. “It's a trait I carry with me!” he quips.

Life at Monaco, Mentors and Upcoming Goals

With his current club, he cherishes learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are fortunate,” he said.

Currently, attention is firmly on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – we can’t hide from that. After defeating 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 committed to Monaco for now. “I am very at ease here,” he affirms. However, he's often teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about targeting the main Africa Player of the Year in the future.

“The pressure is on us – we can’t hide from that. Having beaten England in their own country… it gives you confidence.”

Looking ahead, Lamine Camara combines humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions targeting to lead Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own lasting legacy in the world of football.