Senegalese midfielder Lamine Camara reflects on breakout season with AS Monaco

Lamine Camara has described his debut season with AS Monaco as a “successful” one, as the 21-year-old Senegalese midfielder looks back on a year of rapid growth and solid performances in Ligue 1.

Signed last summer from FC Metz, Camara wasted no time establishing himself as a vital component in Adi Hütter’s squad. In 30 top-flight appearances, he contributed two goals and seven assists — an impressive tally for a player in his first season at a club with Monaco’s ambitions.

“It’s been a pretty successful season,” Camara told Foot Mercato. “Even if I could have scored more than just the two goals, I’m pleased with the seven assists.

That’s not bad. I know I can give more to the team.”

His contribution was particularly noticeable on set pieces, from which he delivered five assists. The midfielder credited this to a focused effort in training.

“You could say I work a lot on that. It’s one of my strengths,” he explained. “The coach really helped me to exploit it by working specifically on set-piece routines.”

Camara’s transition from Metz to the principality club represented a significant step up, one that demanded swift adaptation. He admitted the early stages were challenging.

“At first, it was difficult because I didn’t know what to expect here. At Monaco, the quality is very high and competition is constant,” he said.

He was quick to highlight the role of his teammates in easing the adjustment. Veterans such as Thilo Kehrer, Denis Zakaria, and Breel Embolo provided steady support during his integration. “They help you focus on football and doing things properly,” Camara noted.

The midfielder’s rapid rise has been one of the more compelling stories in French football this season. From Génération Foot in Senegal to Ligue 2 with Metz and now Ligue 1 with Monaco, Camara’s career trajectory has been sharp and focused.

Despite the attention and accolades — including being named Best Young African Player twice, CHAN champion, U20 Africa Cup of Nations winner and MVP, and Ligue 1’s “nugget of the season” — Camara remains grounded.

“It’s about hard work,” he said. “I always stay focused on the pitch, not letting myself get distracted by anything else.”

The Dakar-born player is well aware of how quickly fortunes can change in professional football and credits his support network for helping him maintain balance.

“I always keep my feet on the ground because I know football moves fast. Fortunately, I have a good entourage.”

Camara’s first season in Monaco has not only shown his technical and tactical capabilities but also underlined his maturity and resilience.

With his sights now set on taking his game to the next level, the young midfielder seems determined to play an even more influential role as Monaco prepares for the challenges of the upcoming campaign.

For a player in only his first full season in Ligue 1, Camara has delivered both consistency and creativity, emerging as one of the league’s most promising midfielders — and a key asset for Monaco’s future.