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As I walk into the space, the young midfielder picks up a football he won’t let go of throughout our chat. This serves as a simple visual metaphor for a dream he has always held onto. “My sole focus was the beautiful game; my mind was set on nothing else,” states the AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and raw talent convinced teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the most difficult approval to secure didn't come from a club executive 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

In time, on “a special day,” Camara earned his dad's approval to pursue his path in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the institution that produced stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After Camara was named the best player in a regional tournament, the scouts were “astonished” to discover he was without a contract. They moved fast. “I was taken directly to the training centre. They didn’t want me from returning home,” he recalled.

A Landmark Year and European Breakthrough

This move put him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” starting with him lifting the CHAN trophy. Shortly after, though tired, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his country to victory and earning player of the tournament.

Soon after, he was unveiled as FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” states the 21-year-old. He resides alone in Europe, a situation his relatives support to keep him focused.

Influences and On-Field Identity

Off-field noise are not really a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from the Belgian maestro's “humility” and superb playing qualities. Additionally, he's a huge fan of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and accuracy from dead-ball situations are key strengths. He admits he must to control his aggression, after being shown red at the start of his spells at each French club. “It is a habit that is following me!” he jokes.

Life at Monaco, Teammates and Future Goals

At Monaco, he cherishes learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I told myself we are fortunate,” he said.

Currently, his focus is firmly on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. After defeating England in their own country…,” he says, pointing to a historic 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

Regarding a transfer to the Premier League, he remains committed to Monaco at present. “I feel really comfortable here,” he affirms. However, he's often ribbed by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. He laughs, but is serious about winning the senior Africa Player of the Year down the line.

“We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country… it instills confidence.”

Looking ahead, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and big dreams targeting to guide Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own lasting legacy in the game.