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As I walk into the space, the young midfielder grabs a soccer ball he clings to until after the conversation. This serves as a powerful visual metaphor for a ambition he has never let slip. “I only wanted football; my mind was set on nothing else,” states the AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His resolve and raw talent convinced teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the most difficult person to convince was not a club executive or manager, it was from his dad. “He didn’t want me to play football but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Initial Obstacles

Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” Camara earned his dad's approval to pursue his career in the game. A further barrier 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 regional tournament, the scouts were “astonished” to discover he was not tied down. They acted quickly. “They took me straight to the training centre. They didn’t want me from going back home,” he recalled.

An Unforgettable Season and European Breakthrough

That decision put him on a trajectory to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with Camara winning the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, though tired, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his nation to victory and being named player of the tournament.

Soon after, he signed for Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” says the youngster. He has lived by himself in Europe, a choice his family encourage to keep him focused.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Distractions are not really a concern for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and superb skills. He is also a big admirer of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from set pieces are key strengths. He admits a need to control his competitive fire, having been sent off early in his spells at each French club. “It is a habit that is following me!” he quips.

Monaco, Mentors and Upcoming Ambitions

With his current club, he values the guidance of 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, his focus 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 states, referencing a historic 3-1 win in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the Premier League, he is committed to Monaco at present. “I feel really at ease here,” he insists. He is frequently teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. He laughs, but is serious about winning the main Africa Player of the Year in the future.

“We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. Having beaten England at Wembley… it instills belief.”

Looking ahead, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions as he aims to lead Senegal to continental glory and forge his own lasting legacy in the game.