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As I enter the space, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he won’t let go of throughout our chat. It’s a simple symbol for a ambition he has always held onto. “My sole focus was the beautiful game; I was focused solely on that,” remarks this Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and raw talent won over teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the hardest person to convince didn't come from a sporting director or manager, it was from his dad. “He was against me playing soccer simply because he had never watched me,” says Camara.

Surmounting Early Hurdles

Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” Camara earned his father’s blessing to chase his path in the sport. A further barrier was his modest frame, which discouraged 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 – were convinced immediately. After he earned the best player in a regional tournament, the scouts were “astonished” to learn he was not tied down. They moved fast. “I was taken directly to the academy. They didn’t want me from going back 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. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his country to the title and earning player of the tournament.

Soon after, he was unveiled as Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” states the youngster. He has lived alone in Europe, a situation his relatives encourage to keep him focused.

Influences and Playing Style

Distractions aren't a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from 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 Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and precision from set pieces are notable assets. Camara confesses a need to temper his aggression, having been sent off at the start of his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait that is following me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Goals

With his current club, he values the guidance of teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “When I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” he said.

Right now, 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 in their own country…,” he says, pointing to a historic 3-1 win in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the Premier League, he is focused on Monaco for now. “I feel really comfortable here,” he affirms. However, he's often ribbed by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about winning the main 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 gives you confidence.”

Moving forward, this talented midfielder blends a modest start, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions targeting to guide Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own lasting legacy in the game.