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When I enter the room, the young midfielder grabs a soccer ball he clings to until after our chat. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for a dream he has always held onto. “My sole focus was football; I was focused solely on that,” states the AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His determination and natural ability won over clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the hardest approval to secure was not a club executive or coach, but his own father. “He was against me playing soccer simply because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Surmounting Initial Obstacles

Eventually, on “a special day,” Camara earned his dad's approval to pursue his path in the game. Another challenge was his modest frame, which deterred local club Casa Sports from offering him a contract.

However, Génération Foot – the institution that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. Following Camara was named the best player in a regional tournament, Génération Foot were “astonished” to discover he was without a contract. They moved fast. “They took me straight to the training centre. They prevented me from returning to Casamance,” he recalled.

An Unforgettable Year and European Breakthrough

This move 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 U-20 Africa Cup, leading his country to victory and earning best player.

A month later, he signed for FC Metz, emulating Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” states the 21-year-old. He resides alone 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 the Belgian maestro's “modesty” and superb playing qualities. He is also a big admirer of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and accuracy from set pieces are key strengths. Camara confesses a need to control his aggression, after being sent off at the start of his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit that is following me!” he quips.

Life at Monaco, Teammates and Future Goals

With his current club, he cherishes learning from veterans such as Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I told myself we are really lucky,” he said.

Right now, his focus is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – we can’t hide from that. After defeating England on their soil…,” he says, pointing to a historic 3-1 win in Nottingham.

Regarding a transfer to the Premier League, he is committed to Monaco at present. “I feel really comfortable here,” he insists. He is often ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about his 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 – we can’t hide from that. Having beaten England in their own country… it gives you belief.”

Moving forward, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and big dreams as he aims to lead Senegal to continental glory and build his own legendary path in the world of football.