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As I enter the room, the young midfielder grabs a football he clings to until after our chat. This serves as a powerful symbol for a ambition he has never let slip. “I only wanted football; my mind was set on nothing else,” states this AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and natural ability convinced teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the most difficult approval to secure was not a club executive or manager, it was from his dad. “He didn’t want me to play football but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” explains Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” he received his father’s blessing to pursue his career in the game. Another challenge was his modest frame, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a contract.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the institution that produced stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After he earned the best player in a local competition, the scouts were “shocked” to learn he was without a contract. They acted quickly. “I was taken directly to the academy. They prevented me from returning home,” Camara said.

A Landmark Season and European Arrival

This move put him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough was 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, though tired, he competed in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his nation to the title and earning best player.

A month later, he signed for FC Metz, emulating Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” says the 21-year-old. He resides by himself in Europe, a situation his family support to keep him focused.

Inspiration and On-Field Identity

Off-field noise are not really a problem for Camara, who looks up to Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and superb skills. Additionally, he's a huge fan of midfielders such as Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and accuracy from set pieces are key strengths. Camara confesses he must to control his aggression, having been shown red early in his tenures at each French club. “It is a habit that is following me!” he quips.

Monaco, Teammates and Future Goals

At Monaco, he cherishes the guidance of teammates like Denis Zakaria and particularly Paul Pogba. “When I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I told myself we are really lucky,” he said.

Currently, attention is firmly on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England on their soil…,” he states, referencing a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

Regarding a future move to the English top flight, he is committed to Monaco for now. “I am very comfortable here,” he insists. However, he's frequently teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, but is serious about targeting the senior Africa Player of the Year in the future.

“The pressure is on us – we can’t hide from that. Having beaten England in their own country… it instills belief.”

Looking ahead, this talented midfielder blends a modest start, steely determination, and big dreams as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own lasting legacy in the world of football.