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When I enter the room, the young midfielder grabs a soccer ball he won’t let go of until after our chat. It’s a simple symbol for a dream he has never let slip. “I only wanted football; my mind was set on nothing else,” remarks the AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and natural ability convinced clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the most difficult person to convince didn't come from a sporting director or coach, it was from his dad. “He was against me to play football simply because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

Eventually, on “a special day,” he received his father’s blessing to chase his career in the game. Another challenge was his modest frame, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

However, Génération Foot – the club that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After Camara was named the best player in a local competition, Génération Foot were “astonished” to discover he was without a contract. They moved fast. “I was taken straight to the academy. They didn’t want me from going back to Casamance,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Year and European Breakthrough

This move put him on a pathway to Europe. His breakthrough came in 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with Camara winning the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, though tired, he competed in the Under-20s Afcon, guiding his country to the title and being named best player.

Soon after, he signed for Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” says the 21-year-old. He resides by himself in Europe, a situation his family encourage to maintain his concentration.

Influences and Playing Style

Off-field noise are not really a concern for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and superb playing qualities. He is also a huge fan of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and precision from set pieces are key strengths. Camara confesses he must to temper his aggression, having been sent off early in his tenures at each French club. “It's a trait that is following me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Goals

At Monaco, he cherishes learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” Camara noted.

Currently, his focus is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country…,” he states, pointing to a memorable 3-1 win in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the Premier League, he remains focused on Monaco for now. “I am very comfortable here,” he affirms. However, he's often teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about targeting the main top prize down the line.

“We are the favourites – that's the reality. Having beaten England in their own country… it gives you confidence.”

Moving forward, this talented midfielder blends a modest start, steely determination, and grand ambitions targeting to lead Senegal to continental glory and build his own legendary path in the game.