Senegalese midfielder Lamine Camara has become the most decorated player in the history of the national team after helping his country secure its second star at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
At just 22 years old, Camara added a senior AFCON title to his impressive collection, bringing his total to three major African trophies.
In the final in Morocco, he delivered a standout performance against Morocco, playing a key role in Senegal’s 1-0 victory that crowned them continental champions for the second time.
Camara’s rise has been meteoric. His international career began at 18 when he won the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria with Senegal’s local national team under Pape Thiaw.
Facing the host nation, Camara’s midfield mastery helped Senegal secure their first-ever title in the competition. He was named best player of the group stage and best young player of the tournament.
Weeks later, he added the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt to his accolades, again claiming a first title for Senegal in that age category and earning the tournament’s best player award. These early successes signalled the arrival of a talent destined for the senior stage.
Following Senegal’s round-of-16 exit at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Camara returned to the continental tournament with renewed determination.
His performance in Morocco not only secured his first senior AFCON medal but also propelled him past established veterans such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Édouard Mendy, Ismaïla Sarr, Idrissa Gana Gueye, and Pape Gueye, all two-time AFCON winners.
With three African titles by the age of 22, Camara has firmly established himself as a central figure in Senegalese football history.
Analysts and fans alike view his trajectory as indicative of an even more remarkable career ahead, both for the national team and potentially in European club football.
