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As I walk into the room, the young midfielder grabs a soccer ball he clings to throughout our chat. This serves as a powerful visual metaphor for a ambition he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” remarks the AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and natural ability won over clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. Yet, the hardest person to convince didn't come from a club executive or manager, but his own father. “He didn’t want me to play football but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Surmounting Early Hurdles

Eventually, on “a special day,” he received his dad's approval to chase his path in the sport. A further barrier was his small stature, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a contract.

Nevertheless, Génération Foot – the institution that nurtured stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After he earned the best player in a regional tournament, the scouts were “shocked” to learn he was not tied down. They acted quickly. “I was taken directly to the academy. They didn’t want me from going back to Casamance,” Camara said.

A Landmark Year and European Arrival

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. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he played in the Under-20s Afcon, guiding his nation to the title and being named best player.

Soon after, he was unveiled as FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” states the 21-year-old. He resides by himself in Europe, a choice his relatives encourage to maintain his concentration.

Influences and On-Field Identity

Distractions are not really a problem for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and exceptional skills. Additionally, he's a huge fan 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 he must to temper his aggression, having been sent off early in his spells at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Goals

At Monaco, he cherishes the guidance of veterans such as 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 squarely on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – there's no denying it. After defeating England on their soil…,” he says, referencing a historic 3-1 win in Nottingham.

Regarding a future move to the English top flight, he remains focused on Monaco for now. “I feel really comfortable here,” he insists. However, he's often teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about targeting the main top prize down the line.

“We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England at Wembley… it gives you belief.”

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