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When I enter the space, the young midfielder picks up a football he won’t let go of throughout our chat. It’s a simple symbol for a dream he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” remarks the Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and raw talent convinced clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the hardest person to convince didn't come from a club executive or coach, it was from his dad. “He didn’t want me playing soccer but it’s because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Initial Obstacles

In time, on “a special day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his path in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a deal.

However, Génération Foot – the club that nurtured stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After he earned the MVP 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 prevented me from returning to Casamance,” Camara said.

A Landmark Season and European Breakthrough

That decision put him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period came in 2023, “an unforgettable year,” starting with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, though tired, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his nation to victory and being named player of the tournament.

Soon after, he was unveiled as Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” states the youngster. He resides alone in Europe, a choice his family 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 “humility” and superb skills. He is also a big admirer of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from dead-ball situations are key strengths. He admits he must to temper his aggression, having been shown red at the start of his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he jokes.

Life at Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Goals

With his current club, he values learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” Camara noted.

Currently, attention is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – there's no denying it. If you beat England on their soil…,” he states, pointing to a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

Regarding a transfer to the Premier League, he is focused on Monaco at present. “I feel really at ease here,” he affirms. He is often teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about targeting the main Africa Player of the Year in the future.

“We are the favourites – that's the reality. Having beaten England at Wembley… it instills confidence.”

Moving forward, this talented midfielder combines a modest start, steely determination, and grand ambitions targeting to lead Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own lasting legacy in the world of football.