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As I enter the space, the young midfielder grabs a football he won’t let go of throughout our chat. It’s a simple visual metaphor for a ambition he has never let slip. “My sole focus was the beautiful game; I was focused solely on that,” states this Monaco and Senegal midfielder.

His resolve and raw talent won over clubs like Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. However, the most difficult approval to secure didn't come from a sporting director or manager, it was from his dad. “He didn’t want me playing soccer but it’s because he had never watched me,” says Camara.

Surmounting Early Hurdles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” he received his dad's approval to pursue his career in the game. A further barrier was his modest frame, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from offering him a contract.

Nevertheless, the famed academy – the club that nurtured talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After Camara was named the best player in a local competition, the scouts were “shocked” 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 to Casamance,” he recalled.

A Landmark Year and European Breakthrough

That decision set him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period was 2023, “an unforgettable year,” which began with him lifting the African Nations Championship. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he played in the Under-20s Afcon, guiding his nation to victory and being named player of the tournament.

Soon after, he signed for FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” states the 21-year-old. He resides by himself in Europe, a choice his relatives encourage to keep him focused.

Influences and On-Field Identity

Off-field noise are not really a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “humility” and superb skills. Additionally, he's a big admirer of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from dead-ball situations are key strengths. Camara confesses a need to temper his aggression, after being shown red early in his tenures at each French club. “It's a trait that is following me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Teammates and Upcoming Ambitions

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

Currently, his focus is squarely on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England on their soil…,” he says, pointing to a historic 3-1 win in Nottingham.

On a potential future move to the Premier League, he is focused on Monaco for now. “I am very at ease here,” he affirms. However, he's often teased by icon El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. He laughs, but is serious about winning the main top prize in the future.

“We are the favourites – that's the reality. Having beaten England at Wembley… it instills belief.”

Moving forward, this talented midfielder combines humble beginnings, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions as he aims to lead Senegal to Afcon success and build his own lasting legacy in the world of football.