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As I walk into 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 ambition he has always held onto. “I only wanted football; my mind was set on nothing else,” states the Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His determination and natural ability won over teams such as Metz, Monaco, and Génération Foot. Yet, the hardest approval to secure didn't come from a sporting director or manager, but his own father. “He was against me playing soccer but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Overcoming Early Hurdles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” Camara earned his dad's approval to chase his path in the game. Another challenge was his small stature, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a contract.

However, the famed academy – the institution that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After he earned the best player in a regional tournament, Génération Foot were “astonished” to learn he was not tied down. They acted quickly. “I was taken directly to the academy. They didn’t want me from going back home,” Camara said.

An Unforgettable Season and Continental Breakthrough

This move set him on a trajectory to Europe. His breakthrough came in 2023, “an unforgettable year,” which began with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Just weeks later, despite fatigue, he played in the Under-20s Afcon, leading his country to victory and being named player of the tournament.

A month later, he was unveiled as Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Settling in wasn't a challenge,” says the youngster. He resides by himself in Europe, a situation his family encourage to maintain his concentration.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Off-field noise are not really a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and superb 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 precision from set pieces are notable assets. He admits he must to temper his competitive fire, having been shown red at the start of his spells at each French club. “It is a habit that is following me!” he jokes.

Life at Monaco, Teammates and Future Ambitions

With his current club, he values learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “When I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I thought we are really lucky,” Camara noted.

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

On a potential future move to the English top flight, he is focused on Monaco for now. “I am very comfortable here,” he affirms. He is frequently teased by Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf about his two Africa Young Player of the Year awards. Camara jokes, yet remains determined about targeting the main top prize in the future.

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

Moving forward, this talented midfielder blends humble beginnings, steely determination, and grand ambitions targeting to lead Senegal to continental glory and build his own legendary path in the world of football.