As I enter the space, the young midfielder picks up a football he clings to until after the conversation. It’s a powerful symbol for a dream he has never let slip. “My sole focus was the beautiful game; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks the AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.
His resolve and natural ability won over teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the hardest approval to secure was not a club executive or manager, but his own father. “He didn’t want me to play football simply because he had never watched me,” says Camara.
Eventually, on “one beautiful day,” Camara earned his father’s blessing to pursue his career in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which discouraged local club Casa Sports from giving him a deal.
However, Génération Foot – the institution that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After he earned the best player in a regional tournament, Génération Foot were “astonished” to learn he was not tied down. They moved fast. “I was taken straight to the training centre. They prevented me from going back home,” he recalled.
This move put him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” starting with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his country to victory and being named best player.
Soon after, he was unveiled as Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” says the youngster. He has lived alone in Europe, a situation his relatives encourage to maintain his concentration.
Off-field noise aren't a concern for Camara, who draws inspiration from the Belgian maestro's “humility” and exceptional playing qualities. Additionally, he's a big admirer of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.
His powerful shot and precision from dead-ball situations are notable assets. Camara confesses a need to control his aggression, having been sent off at the start of his spells at each French club. “It is a habit that is following me!” he quips.
At Monaco, he cherishes learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I told myself we are fortunate,” he said.
Right now, his focus is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – there's no denying it. If you beat England on their soil…,” he states, referencing a historic 3-1 victory in Nottingham.
On a potential transfer to the English top flight, he is committed to Monaco at present. “I am very comfortable here,” he insists. However, he's often teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about winning the main Africa Player of the Year in the future.
“The pressure is on us – that's the reality. Having beaten England at Wembley… it instills belief.”
Moving forward, this talented midfielder blends humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and big dreams targeting to lead Senegal to continental glory and build his own lasting legacy in the game.
