Senegal's Rising Star Camara: From Dreams to Afcon Favourites.
When I enter the room, Lamine Camara picks up a football he won’t let go of until after our chat. This serves as a simple visual metaphor for a dream he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks this AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.
His resolve and natural ability convinced clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the most difficult person to convince didn't come from a sporting director or coach, but his own father. “He was against me to play football but it’s because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.
Surmounting Early Hurdles
Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his path in the sport. A further barrier was his modest frame, 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 best player in a regional tournament, Génération Foot were “shocked” to discover he was not tied down. They acted quickly. “They took me directly to the training centre. They prevented me from returning home,” Camara said.
A Landmark Season and Continental Breakthrough
That decision put him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his country to the title and earning best player.
Soon after, he signed for FC Metz, emulating Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” says the 21-year-old. He has lived by himself in Europe, a choice his family encourage to maintain his concentration.
Influences and Playing Style
Distractions are not really a concern for Camara, who draws inspiration from the Belgian maestro's “humility” and superb skills. Additionally, he's a big admirer of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.
His powerful shot and accuracy from set pieces are key strengths. Camara confesses he must to temper his aggression, having been sent off at the start of his tenures at each French club. “It is a habit that is following me!” he quips.
Life at Monaco, Mentors and Future Goals
At Monaco, he cherishes learning from veterans such as Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest in Pogba, I told myself we are fortunate,” Camara noted.
Currently, attention is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country…,” he says, pointing to a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.
On a potential future move to the English top flight, he is focused on Monaco for now. “I am very comfortable here,” he insists. However, he's frequently teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about his two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. He laughs, yet remains determined about targeting the senior Africa Player of the Year down the line.
“We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England at Wembley… it gives you confidence.”
Looking ahead, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, steely determination, and big dreams as he aims to guide Senegal to Afcon success and build his own lasting legacy in the game.
