🔗 Share this article

When I enter the room, the young midfielder grabs a football he won’t let go of throughout the conversation. It’s a simple visual metaphor for a dream he has never let slip. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” remarks the Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His determination and natural ability won over teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the most difficult person to convince didn't come from a club executive or coach, but his own father. “He didn’t want me to play football but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Overcoming Initial Obstacles

Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” he received his dad's approval to chase his career in the sport. Another challenge was his small stature, which deterred local club Casa Sports from offering him a deal.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the institution that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After Camara was named the MVP in a local competition, Génération Foot were “shocked” to learn he was without a contract. They moved fast. “They took me directly to the training centre. They didn’t want me from returning home,” Camara said.

A Landmark Year and Continental Arrival

This move set him on a trajectory to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, though tired, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his nation to the title and being named best player.

Soon after, he signed for FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” states the 21-year-old. He has lived by himself in Europe, a choice his relatives encourage to maintain his concentration.

Influences and On-Field Identity

Distractions are not really a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from the Belgian maestro's “humility” and superb skills. 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. He admits a need to control his aggression, having been shown red at the start of his spells at each French club. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he jokes.

Life at Monaco, Teammates and Future Ambitions

At Monaco, he values learning from veterans such as Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are fortunate,” he said.

Currently, attention is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – there's no denying it. After defeating England in their own country…,” he says, pointing to a memorable 3-1 win in Nottingham.

Regarding a future move to the English top flight, he remains committed to Monaco at present. “I am very comfortable here,” he insists. He is frequently teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about targeting the main Africa Player of the Year down the line.

“The pressure is on us – that's the reality. Having beaten England in their own country… it gives you belief.”

Moving forward, this talented midfielder blends a modest start, steely determination, and big dreams targeting to lead Senegal to continental glory and build his own lasting legacy in the world of football.