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As I walk into the space, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he won’t let go of until after our chat. 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,” states the AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His resolve and natural ability won over teams such as Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. Yet, the hardest approval to secure was not 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,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

In time, on “a special day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his career in the sport. Another challenge was his small stature, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the club that produced stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After he earned the best player in a regional tournament, the scouts were “shocked” to discover 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 Season and European Arrival

This move put him on a trajectory to Europe. A defining period came in 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, though tired, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his country to the title and earning player of the tournament.

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

Influences and Playing Style

Distractions aren't a problem for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and superb playing qualities. He is also a big admirer of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and accuracy from set pieces are key strengths. He admits a need to control his competitive fire, after being sent off early in his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait I carry with me!” he quips.

Monaco, Mentors and Future Ambitions

At Monaco, he values the guidance of teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are fortunate,” he said.

Currently, his focus is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England on their soil…,” he says, pointing to a historic 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the English top flight, he is committed to Monaco for now. “I am very comfortable 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 winning the senior top prize down the line.

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

Moving forward, Lamine Camara combines humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions targeting to guide Senegal to continental glory and build his own lasting legacy in the world of football.