As Senegal prepares for AFCON 2025, one name is emerging as the future of the Teranga Lions’ midfield – Lamine Camara.
At just 20 years old, Camara has already begun making a name for himself in European and African football, impressing for both AS Monaco and the Senegal national team.
His rapid rise has caught the attention of senior players, including Pape Gueye, who has praised the youngster’s talent, mentality, and potential.
“Lamine is very strong. What he’s doing at Monaco at his age is incredible. At AFCON 2023, he was already a revelation. He listens, he works hard, and we all know he has a great future ahead,” Gueye said.
Camara’s journey to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. Having come through Senegal’s Génération Foot academy, the same academy that produced Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr, Camara quickly showed his immense potential.
His performances at AFCON U20 and the CHAN tournament signaled that Senegal had unearthed another gem.
That potential turned into reality when he broke into Monaco’s first team, showcasing his technical ability, composure, and intelligence on the ball.
“For a young player to be playing regularly in one of Europe’s top leagues, it shows his quality. He’s not just talented, he’s also mature beyond his years,” Gueye added.
Camara’s rise has come at a perfect time for Senegal, as the team looks to build a squad capable of winning AFCON 2025.
With veterans like Idrissa Gueye aging, there is a clear need for a new midfield general, and Camara appears ready to step into that role.
His performances in AFCON 2023 showed that he is not afraid of the big stage, delivering key moments and playing with confidence against some of Africa’s best teams.
He is already forming a strong midfield partnership with players like Pape Gueye and Pape Matar Sarr, giving Senegal an exciting blend of youth and experience.
Many believe that Camara is not just Senegal’s present, but also its future captain.
His leadership qualities and willingness to take responsibility on the pitch suggest he could become a key figure for the national team in the years to come.
“When you watch Lamine play, you see a player who already understands the game at a high level. He’s young, but he plays like a veteran. That’s rare,” Gueye noted.
If he continues on this trajectory, Camara could follow in the footsteps of great Senegalese midfielders like Aliou Cissé, Salif Diao, and Cheikhou Kouyaté.
With AFCON 2025 set to take place in Morocco, Camara will have the perfect platform to show that he belongs among Africa’s elite midfielders. If he continues his impressive development, he could play a crucial role in Senegal’s bid to win their second AFCON title.
The Teranga Lions will need players who can handle the pressure of a major tournament, and Camara has already shown that he thrives in big moments. AFCON 2025 could be his breakout tournament, solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s brightest young stars.
“Senegal has always produced great players. Lamine is part of that tradition, and I believe he will be a key player for us,” Gueye concluded.
As Senegal prepares for the challenge ahead, one thing is clear – the rise of Lamine Camara is just beginning.
