When I enter the room, the young midfielder grabs a football he won’t let go of until after the conversation. This serves as a powerful symbol for a ambition he has never let slip. “My sole focus was the beautiful game; I was focused solely on that,” states this AS Monaco and Senegal midfielder.
His resolve and natural ability convinced clubs like Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. However, the hardest person to convince was not a club executive or coach, it was from his dad. “He was against me playing soccer but it’s because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.
In time, on “a special day,” Camara earned his dad's approval to chase his path in the sport. Another challenge was his small stature, which deterred his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a contract.
However, 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, Génération Foot were “astonished” to discover he was without a contract. They moved fast. “They took me straight to the training centre. They prevented me from going back to Casamance,” Camara said.
This move set him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “a year to remember,” starting with Camara winning the African Nations Championship. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he played in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his nation to victory and being named player of the tournament.
A month later, he signed for Metz, emulating Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” says the 21-year-old. He has lived alone in Europe, a choice his family encourage to maintain his concentration.
Off-field noise aren't a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and exceptional playing qualities. He is also 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 control his competitive fire, having been shown red early in his spells at each French club. “It's a trait I carry with me!” he jokes.
At Monaco, he values learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “As soon as I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I told myself we are fortunate,” he said.
Currently, his focus is squarely on the Afcon tournament with Senegal. “We are the favourites – we can’t hide from that. After defeating England on their soil…,” he states, pointing to a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.
Regarding a transfer to the Premier League, he is committed to Monaco at present. “I am very comfortable here,” he affirms. However, he's often teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about Camara's two Best Young Player awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about targeting the senior Africa Player of the Year down the line.
“We are the favourites – that's the reality. Having beaten England at Wembley… it gives you confidence.”
Looking ahead, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, steely determination, and grand ambitions targeting to lead Senegal to continental glory and forge his own lasting legacy in the game.
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