Senegal's Rising Star Lamine Camara: Starting from Dreams to Tournament Favorites.
When I walk into the room, Lamine Camara picks up a soccer ball he clings to throughout our chat. This serves as a simple visual metaphor for a ambition he has never let slip. “My sole focus was the beautiful game; I was focused solely on that,” remarks the Monaco and Senegal midfielder.
His resolve and raw talent won over clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the most difficult person to convince was not 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,” says Camara.
Overcoming Early Hurdles
Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” he received his dad's approval to pursue his career in the game. A further barrier was his small stature, which discouraged local club Casa Sports from giving him a deal.
However, Génération Foot – the club that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After he earned the best player in a local competition, the scouts were “shocked” to discover he was not tied down. They acted quickly. “I was taken straight to the academy. They didn’t want me from going back home,” he recalled.
An Unforgettable Year and European Breakthrough
This move put him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” which began with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, though tired, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, guiding his nation to the title and earning best player.
Soon after, he was unveiled as Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” states the 21-year-old. He has lived by himself in Europe, a situation his relatives support to maintain his concentration.
Inspiration and Playing Style
Off-field noise are not really a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and superb playing qualities. Additionally, he's a huge fan of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.
His powerful shot and accuracy from dead-ball situations are notable assets. Camara confesses he must to control his competitive fire, after being shown red early in his spells at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he quips.
Life at Monaco, Mentors and Upcoming Ambitions
At Monaco, he cherishes 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 really lucky,” Camara noted.
Right now, attention is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the favourites – there's no denying it. If you beat England in their own country…,” he states, pointing to a memorable 3-1 win in Nottingham.
On a potential future move to the English top flight, he is focused on Monaco at present. “I feel really at ease here,” he insists. He is 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 senior Africa Player of the Year in the future.
“The pressure is on us – we can’t hide from that. Having beaten England at Wembley… it gives you belief.”
Looking ahead, this talented midfielder combines a modest start, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own legendary path in the world of football.