When I walk into the room, the young midfielder picks up a football he won’t let go of throughout our chat. This serves as 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 AS Monaco and Senegal playmaker.
His resolve and natural ability won over clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the most difficult person to convince was not a club executive or manager, but his own father. “He didn’t want me to play football but it’s because he had never watched me,” explains Camara.
In time, on “one beautiful day,” he received his father’s blessing to chase his career in the game. A further barrier was his modest frame, which discouraged local club Casa Sports from giving him a deal.
However, Génération Foot – the club that nurtured stars like Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. Following Camara was named the best player in a local competition, the scouts were “astonished” to learn he was without a contract. They moved fast. “They took me straight to the training centre. They didn’t want me from going back home,” Camara said.
That decision put him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period came in 2023, “an unforgettable year,” starting with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Shortly after, though tired, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, leading his nation to victory and earning player of the tournament.
A month later, he was unveiled as Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a challenge,” states the 21-year-old. He has lived alone in Europe, a choice his relatives support to maintain his concentration.
Distractions aren't a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and superb playing qualities. He is also a huge fan of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.
His ball striking and precision from set pieces are key strengths. Camara confesses a need to control his competitive fire, having been sent off early in his spells at each French club. “It's a trait that is following me!” he jokes.
With his current club, he cherishes learning from teammates like Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “When I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I told myself we are really lucky,” Camara noted.
Right now, his focus is firmly on the Afcon tournament 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 victory in Nottingham.
On a potential transfer to the Premier League, he is focused on Monaco at present. “I am very at ease here,” he affirms. He is often ribbed 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.
“We are the favourites – that's the reality. If you beat England at Wembley… it gives you confidence.”
Looking ahead, this talented midfielder blends a modest start, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions targeting to lead Senegal to Afcon success and forge his own legendary path in the world of football.
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