Ousmane Camara, an emerging talent from Burkina Faso, has quickly gained recognition as one of Africa’s brightest young footballers. Nicknamed “Berto” after his idol Bertrand Traoré, the 18-year-old winger is already making waves both domestically and internationally.
Born in Banamba, Mali, to parents of Malian and Burkinabe descent, Camara moved early to Bama, a town in Burkina Faso that houses the renowned Rahimo FC football academy.
There, he honed his skills, progressing through all youth levels and earning the trust of the first-team coaches thanks to his slender physique and technical abilities.
Early Development and National Team Breakthrough
Camara’s rise to prominence began at Rahimo FC, where his potential was quickly recognized. Former Burkinabe international and his training coach, Boureima Zongo, closely monitored his growth.
At just 16, Camara was called up by Brahima Traoré to join Burkina Faso’s U17 national team, where he showcased his offensive prowess.
During the qualifiers for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Camara was instrumental, scoring five goals and providing two assists in five matches.
He was named man of the match twice and finished as the tournament’s top scorer, leading Burkina Faso to the final stages of the competition.
Making a Mark at Rahimo FC
As Camara approached his 18th birthday, he became a vital figure for Rahimo FC in Burkina Faso’s top-tier league, Faso D1.
His performances in pre-season matches, including a goal against Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas, and his three assists in just three months of league action, attracted the attention of European scouts.
Move to Europe
In January 2024, Camara’s talent earned him a transfer to Riga FC in Latvia. Shortly after signing, he was loaned to FK Auda, another Latvian top-flight club, where he could adapt and develop further.
Camara’s European journey also saw him gain valuable experience in continental competitions, including the preliminary rounds of the Europa League and Europa Conference League.
During his loan spell, Camara made 35 appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
He is set to return to Riga FC at the end of his loan in December 2024, with high expectations for the next stage of his career.
International Success
Camara has also made strides on the international stage, earning six senior caps under Burkina Faso coach Brahima Traoré.
His appearances include matches against formidable opponents such as Senegal, Malawi, and Burundi.
With his rapid progress, Ousmane Camara is positioning himself as a future star for both club and country, embodying the promise of African football on the global stage.
