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When I enter the room, the young midfielder grabs a soccer ball he won’t let go of throughout the conversation. It’s a simple symbol for a dream he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; my mind was set on nothing else,” states this AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and raw talent won over clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the most difficult person to convince didn't come from a sporting director or manager, it was from his dad. “He was against me playing soccer simply because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Surmounting Early Hurdles

Eventually, on “a special day,” he received his father’s blessing to chase his career in the sport. A further barrier was his small stature, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the club that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. Following he earned the MVP in a local competition, the scouts were “shocked” to learn he was not tied down. They moved fast. “They took me directly to the training centre. They didn’t want me from returning to Casamance,” he recalled.

A Landmark Season and Continental Arrival

This move put him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” starting with him lifting the CHAN trophy. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he played in the Under-20s Afcon, guiding his nation to the title and earning player of the tournament.

A month later, he was unveiled as FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” says the youngster. He has lived alone in Europe, a situation his family support to keep him focused.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Off-field noise are not really a concern for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and superb skills. Additionally, he's a huge fan of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and accuracy from dead-ball situations are notable assets. He admits a need to control his competitive fire, after being sent off early in his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait that is following me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Future Ambitions

With his current club, he cherishes learning from veterans such as Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I thought we are fortunate,” Camara noted.

Currently, attention is squarely on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country…,” he says, referencing a memorable 3-1 win in Nottingham.

Regarding a transfer to the Premier League, he remains focused on Monaco for now. “I am very at ease here,” he affirms. He is frequently teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's 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. Having beaten England at Wembley… it instills confidence.”

Looking ahead, this talented midfielder blends humble beginnings, steely determination, and grand ambitions as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own legendary path in the world of football.