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When I walk into the space, the young midfielder picks up a football he clings to until after our chat. This serves as a simple visual metaphor for a ambition he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” remarks this AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and raw talent convinced clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the most difficult approval to secure was not a sporting director or coach, it was from his dad. “He was against me playing soccer 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 discouraged local club Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the institution that produced stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. Following he earned the best player in a regional tournament, the scouts were “astonished” to learn he was not tied down. They moved fast. “They took me directly to the academy. They prevented me from going back home,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Year and Continental Breakthrough

That decision put him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Just weeks later, though tired, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his nation to the title and earning best player.

Soon after, he was unveiled as Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” states the youngster. He has lived alone in Europe, a situation his relatives support to maintain his concentration.

Influences and Playing Style

Off-field noise are not really a problem for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and exceptional skills. Additionally, he's a big admirer of players like 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 a need to temper his competitive fire, having been sent off at the start of his spells at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait that is following me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Mentors and Upcoming Goals

At Monaco, he values the guidance of teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I told myself we are really lucky,” Camara noted.

Right now, his focus 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 says, referencing a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential transfer to the Premier League, he remains focused on Monaco at present. “I feel really comfortable here,” he insists. However, he's frequently teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about targeting the main 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 gives you confidence.”

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