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When I walk into the room, the young midfielder picks up a soccer ball he won’t let go of until after our chat. It’s a simple visual metaphor for a dream he has never let slip. “I only wanted football; I was focused solely on that,” remarks this AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His resolve and raw talent won over clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. Yet, the hardest approval to secure didn't come from a sporting director or coach, but his own father. “He was against me playing soccer but it’s because he had never watched me,” says Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

Eventually, on “a special day,” he received his dad's approval to pursue his career in the sport. Another challenge was his modest frame, which deterred local club Casa Sports from giving him a deal.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the club that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – were convinced immediately. After he earned the MVP in a regional tournament, the scouts were “shocked” to discover he was without a contract. They acted quickly. “I was taken straight to the training centre. They didn’t want me from going back to Casamance,” Camara said.

A Landmark Year and European Breakthrough

That decision set 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, though tired, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his country to the title and being named player of the tournament.

A month later, he was unveiled as FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” states the 21-year-old. He has lived alone in Europe, a choice his family encourage 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 “modesty” and superb 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 dead-ball situations are notable assets. He admits he must to temper his aggression, after being sent off at the start of his spells at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit that is following me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Ambitions

At Monaco, he values the guidance of veterans such as Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard about the interest in Pogba, I thought we are fortunate,” he said.

Right now, his focus is squarely on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the favourites – there's no denying it. If you beat England on their soil…,” he states, pointing to a historic 3-1 win in Nottingham.

On a potential transfer to the English top flight, he remains committed to Monaco at present. “I feel really comfortable here,” he affirms. However, he's often ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about winning the senior Africa Player of the Year down the line.

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

Looking ahead, this talented midfielder blends a modest start, steely determination, and big dreams as he aims to guide Senegal to continental glory and build his own legendary path in the game.