The Lions of Teranga's Emerging Star Lamine Camara: From Dreams to Afcon Favourites.
As I walk into the space, Lamine Camara grabs a soccer ball he won’t let go of until after the conversation. This serves as a powerful visual metaphor for a dream he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; my mind was set on nothing else,” states this AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.
His resolve and raw talent won over teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the hardest approval to secure didn't come from a sporting director or manager, but his own father. “He was against me playing soccer but it’s because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.
Overcoming Initial Obstacles
Eventually, on “a special day,” Camara earned his dad's approval to pursue his career in the sport. Another challenge was his modest frame, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a deal.
Nevertheless, the famed academy – the institution that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After Camara was named the best player in a regional tournament, the scouts were “shocked” to learn he was not tied down. They moved fast. “I was taken straight to the academy. They didn’t want me from returning home,” Camara said.
An Unforgettable Season and Continental Arrival
This move put him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” which began with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his nation to the title and being named best player.
Soon after, he was unveiled as FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a problem,” states the youngster. He resides alone in Europe, a situation his family support to keep him focused.
Influences and Playing Style
Off-field noise aren't a concern for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and exceptional 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 precision from set pieces are key strengths. Camara confesses a need to control his aggression, having been shown red at the start of his spells at each French club. “It's a trait that is following me!” he quips.
Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Goals
At Monaco, he values learning from veterans such as Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest in Pogba, I told myself we are really lucky,” Camara noted.
Right now, attention is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country…,” he says, referencing a historic 3-1 win in Nottingham.
Regarding a transfer to the English top flight, he is focused on 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 Best Young Player awards. He laughs, but is serious about winning the senior top prize in the future.
“We are the favourites – that's the reality. Having beaten England in their own country… it instills confidence.”
Moving forward, Lamine Camara combines humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and big dreams as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and build his own lasting legacy in the world of football.