Senegalese youngster Lamine Camara Mamadou is steadily establishing himself as the next big star in African football.
At just 20, the attacking midfielder who plies his trade with French Ligue 1 side Metz is arguably the most decorated African player in his age group having won CHAN and U20 AFCON titles in 2023.
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He was also named the best player at U20 AFCON in 2023, as well as second best player at CHAN 2023.
Camara's success is a result of both talent and hard work. In the span of just one year, he has not only become the best young African footballer but also a point of interest for global media.
Born on January 1, 2004, in the Senegalese city of Diouloulou, Camara's exceptional talent was evident from a young age. Starting at CasaSport and later moving to Generationfoot, a perstigious Senegalese academy where talents like Sadio Mane were nurtured, Camara's journey mirrors that of Mane.
Generationfoot's collaboration with Metz paved the way for Camara, who arrived in France on February 10, 2023, and inked a three-year deal with Metz.
He seamlessly transitioned into the Metz first team, following a five-month stint with the youth setup.
Making an impactful debut, he scored his first goal for the club on October 22, 2023, in an away game against Monaco—a remarkable strike from 53 yards, showcasing Camara's exceptional quality.
On the international stage, Camara has earned 19 caps for the Teranga Lions, finding the net six times. In Senegal's opening 2023 AFCON group game, he scored two exceptional goals as the Teranga Lions defeated the Gambia Scorpions 3-0 in Yammousoukro.
Delighted about his performance, Camara credited the experienced players on the team, including Sadio Mane, for his success.
"I am happy with this recognition. This is the result of the hard work that we all did. Winning the first match remains a good thing. I am pleased after scoring a brace in the match, and I must remain focused now on the rest of the matches. I am pleased to participate in such a tournament with the first team and to be in the company of senior players such as Sadio Mane and others. These players are the ones who helped me stand out today," he said.
For now, it seems a new African star has emerged on the football scene at Africa's premier tournament. The world should brace itself for Camara as he is destined for greatness.