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As I enter the room, the young midfielder picks up a football he won’t let go of until after our chat. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for a ambition he has never let slip. “My sole focus was the beautiful game; I was focused solely on that,” states the Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and natural ability convinced teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the hardest person to convince was not a club executive or coach, it was from his dad. “He didn’t want me playing soccer simply because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Surmounting Initial Obstacles

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

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the club that produced stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. Following he earned the best player in a local competition, the scouts were “astonished” to learn he was without a contract. They acted quickly. “I was taken directly to the academy. They didn’t want me from returning home,” he recalled.

An Unforgettable Year and Continental Breakthrough

That decision put him on a pathway to Europe. His breakthrough came in 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his nation to victory and being named best player.

A month later, he signed for FC Metz, emulating Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” says the youngster. He has lived alone in Europe, a situation his family support to keep him focused.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Distractions are not really a problem for Camara, who looks up to the Belgian maestro's “modesty” and exceptional playing qualities. Additionally, he's a huge fan of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His powerful shot and accuracy from set pieces are key strengths. Camara confesses a need to temper his competitive fire, after being shown red at the start of his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It's a trait that is following me!” he jokes.

Life at Monaco, Teammates and Future Ambitions

At Monaco, he values learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “When I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” he said.

Currently, his focus is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – there's no denying it. After defeating England on their soil…,” he says, referencing a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

On a potential transfer to the Premier League, he remains committed to Monaco for now. “I feel really comfortable here,” he insists. However, he's often teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about winning the main Africa Player of the Year down the line.

“The pressure is on us – that's the reality. If you beat England at Wembley… it instills belief.”

Looking ahead, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, steely determination, and big dreams targeting to guide Senegal to continental glory and forge his own lasting legacy in the world of football.