Henri Camara

Henri Camara
Personal information
Full name Henri Camara
Date of birth (1977-05-10) 10 May 1977
Place of birth Dakar, Senegal
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position Striker
Club information
Current team
 Apollon Smyrni
Youth career
ASC Diaraf
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1998–1999 RC Strasbourg 0 (0)
1999–2000 Neuchâtel Xamax 32 (17)
2000–2001 Grasshopper Club Zürich 11 (3)
2001–2003 Sedan 59 (22)
2003–2005 Wolverhampton Wanderers 30 (7)
2004–2005 → Celtic (loan) 18 (8)
2005 → Southampton (loan) 13 (4)
2005–2009 Wigan Athletic 69 (20)
2007–2008 → West Ham United (loan) 10 (0)
2009 → Stoke City (loan) 4 (0)
2009–2010 Sheffield United 23 (4)
2010–2011 Atromitos 28 (3)
2011–2014 Panetolikos 102 (29)
2014–2015 Kalloni 13 (1)
2015 Lamia 9 (1)
2015–2016 Panetolikos 5 (0)
2016- Apollon Smyrni 2 (1)
National team
1999–2008 Senegal 99 (29)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 17:58, 11 March 2016 (UTC).


Henri Camara (born 10 May 1977) is a Senegalese footballer who plays for Apollon Smyrni as a striker.

Club career

Early career

Camara was born in Dakar to a Guinean father and a Senegalese mother.[1] He began his career in France with RC Strasbourg (1998–1999), before playing for Swiss clubs Neuchâtel Xamax (1999–2000), and Grasshopper Club Zürich, where he won the Swiss Championship in 2001. He then returned to France with Sedan but sought a new move when they were relegated in 2003.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Camara joined newly promoted English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2003 in a four-year deal for £1.5million.[2] He was a regular first-choice player, capable of creating goalscoring opportunities, but often guilty of erratic finishing that left him with just one goal from 23 games, this goal being the crucial winner as Wolves came back from 3 down at half time to beat relegation rivals Leicester City 4–3.[3] Towards the end of the season, he found his scoring touch and struck 6 times in the final 9 games. While this could not prevent relegation, he was named the fans' Player of the Year.[4]

However, Camara was unwilling to play at a lower level and did not turn up for pre-season training.[5] His future was further unsettled by a bid from Phil Gartside, Bolton Wanderers' chairman, which Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey rejected.[6] He eventually returned to the club but only to negotiate a loan move away.

Celtic

Camara's route out of Wolves came in the form of Celtic, who paid £1.5million to take him on loan for the 2004–05 season.[7] His time in Scotland was disappointing, though, as he scored eight goals from twelve starts and six substitute appearances. Camara claimed in the press that he would replace Henrik Larsson, who had just left the club. He also requested Larsson's squad number (7) which he had had at a previous club as well, but was instead given number 27.[8]

The loan deal was terminated during the January 2005 transfer window despite being contracted for longer, as he moved back to England with Southampton.[9] Here, he suffered relegation again as the Saints made the drop on the final day of the season.

Wigan Athletic

Camara finally found a new permanent club when he was signed by Premiership newcomers Wigan Athletic in August 2005 in a three-year deal for £3million.[10] In 2006, his contract was extended to 2009 due to his outstanding goal scoring form. He had a great time playing with Jason Roberts as they linked well. He again found himself in a Premier League relegation battle, but it ended third time lucky for him as Wigan made a last day escape at the expense of Sheffield United.

After Wigan manager Paul Jewell's resignation, Camara found himself out of favour at Wigan and he was loaned out to West Ham United, for the duration of the 2007–08 season, at the end of the Summer transfer window.[11] By his own admission, he has had a torrid time at West Ham and wants to preferably find another club in England. Despite allowing him to leave on loan Steve Bruce suggested that if Camara wanted to stay at Wigan he was more than welcome to.[12]

Camara scored a brace in his first game back for Wigan under Bruce in the 4–0 win in the League Cup over Notts County.[13] He then scored the match winner against Everton in a 1–0 victory for Wigan at the JJB Stadium on 24 November 2008, their first win against Everton on home soil. He scored again against West Bromwich Albion the following match. Whilst at Wigan he started in the 2006 Football League Cup Final.

On 2 February 2009, Camara joined Stoke City on loan until the end of the season in search of regular first-team football. He missed a glaring opportunity straight after coming off the bench for his debut at Sunderland, smashing a volley from 6 yards against the bar with the entire goal to aim for. He was released by Wigan at the end of the 2008–09 season, after not being offered a new contract.[14]

Camara spent much of the 2009 close-season on trial at Premier League club Hull City but was not offered a contract.[15]

Sheffield United

After initially rejecting a deal with the Blades, Camara signed a short term agreement with the Sheffield club until the end of the season.[16] Camara made his début in a 4–3 loss to Cardiff City at the end of October and scored his first goal for the club in a 1–0 win over Peterborough United a month later.[17] He made 23 appearances that season, often from the bench, and scored four goals but was released when his contract expired as the club sought to cut the wage bill.

Atromitos

On 11 May 2010, Camara signed a one-year deal with Greek Superleague side Atromitos.

Panetolikos

On 19 June 2011, Camara signed a one-year deal with Greek Superleague side Panetolikos. Despite appearing in all 30 league games and being Panetolikos' top scorer for the season with 7 goals, he couldn't help his team avoid relegation.

Camara signed another one-year deal with Panetolikos on 27 August 2012,[18] and, by scoring 10 goals in the regular season and 3 goals in the playoffs, helped the team return to the Greek Superleague after only one year at the Greek Football League.

In the summer of 2013, he signed a third one-year deal with Panetolikos.[19]

Kalloni

On 12 May 2014, Camara signed a year deal with Kalloni,[20] for an undisclosed fee. He resigned on 1 February 2015.[21]

Lamia

On 2 February 2015, Lamia announced the signing of the player for the rest of the season.[22]

Panetolikos

On 18 August 2015, Camara returned to Panetolikos F.C., signing a one-year contract.[23] On 18 January 2016 Camara and Panetolikos F.C. parted ways. Having received an offer from Apollon Smyrni F.C., Camara asked for his contract with Panetolikos F.C. to be terminated, in an attempt to get more playing time and reach 100 Senegal caps.[24]

Apollon

On 19 January 2016, Camara joined Apollon Smyrni.[25]

International career

Camara made his international debut for Senegal in a 1–1 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria on 28 February 1999. He went on to play in their surprising run at the 2002 World Cup, scoring two goals – one a golden goal – in the Round of 16 against Sweden, which took them to the quarter-finals for the only time in their history. He was also part of the 2004, 2006 and 2008 Africa Cup of Nations squads.

Camara also featured in Ronaldinho's squad for a charity football match. The match was between Europe and the rest of the world. Camara came on as a substitute and scored 2 goals in the second half of the game to help his team take the victory.

Internationally, Camara could have played for Guinea as his father was born in Guinea. On choosing Senegal, he explained, "I was born in Senegal but my father is from Guinea, so, yes, I could have played with Momo Sylla in the Guinea national team. When I was young, I received an invitation from the Senegal youth team and my dad didn't want me to play. His dream was for me to play for Guinea. But I didn't know Guinea very well. Senegal was my country, so it was an easy decision for me to make."[1]

Career statistics

As of 9 January 2016.[26]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Strasbourg 1998–99 French Division 1 000000–00
Total 000000–00
Neuchâtel Xamax 1999–2000 Swiss Nationalliga A 321700––3217
Total 321700––3217
Grasshopper Club Zürich 2000–01 Swiss Nationalliga A 11300––113
Total 11300––113
Sedan 2001–02 French Division 1 258000020278
2002–03 Ligue 1 34140000–3414
Total 59220000206122
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2003–04 Premier League 3070020–327
2004–05 Championship 000000–00
Total 3070020–327
Celtic (loan) 2004–05 Scottish Premier League 188101060268
Total 188101060268
Southampton (loan) 2004–05 Premier League 1343200–166
Total 1343200–166
Wigan Athletic 2005–06 Premier League 29120030–3212
2006–07 Premier League 2360000–236
2007–08 Premier League 000010–10
2008–09 Premier League 1721133–216
Total 69201173–7724
West Ham United (loan) 2007–08 Premier League 1000000–100
Total 1000000–100
Stoke City (loan) 2008–09 Premier League 400000–40
Total 400000–40
Sheffield United 2009–10 Championship 2342000–254
Total 2342000–254
Atromitos 2010–11 Superleague Greece 28371––354
Total 28371––354
Panetolikos 2011–12 Superleague Greece 30720––327
2012–13 Football League Greece 401310––4113
2013–14 Superleague Greece 32920––349
Total 1022950––10729
Kalloni 2014–15 Superleague Greece 13122––153
Total 13122––153
Lamia 2014–15 Football League Greece 9100––91
Total 9100––91
Panetolikos 2015–16 Superleague Greece 5020––70
Total 5020––70
Career total 4531192369380491128

International

[27]

Senegal national team
YearAppsGoals
1999112
2000132
2001103
2002133
200373
2004134
200574
200692
200743
2008123
Total9929

International goals

Updated to games played 21 June 2008.[27]
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 6 June 1999 Stade du 4-Août, Ouagadougou  Burkina Faso 1–0 2–2 1999 African Cup of Nations qualifier
2. 20 August 1999 Cicero Stadium, Asmara  Eritrea 1–0 2–0 2000 African Cup of Nations qualifier
3. 25 January 2000 Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano  Burkina Faso 1–0 3–1 2000 African Cup of Nations
4. 1 February 2000 National Stadium, Lagos  Zambia 1–0 2–2 2000 African Cup of Nations
5. 10 March 2001 Stade Leopold Senghor, Dakar  Namibia 4–0 4–0 2002 World Cup qualifier
6. 24 March 2001 Stade Leopold Senghor, Dakar  Uganda 2–0 2–0 2002 African Cup of Nations qualifier
7. 30 December 2001 Stade Leopold Senghor, Dakar  Algeria 1–0 1–0 Friendly
8. 16 June 2002 Ōita Bank Dome, Ōita  Sweden 1–1 2–1 2002 World Cup
9. 2–1
10. 8 September 2002 Setsoso Stadium, Maseru  Lesotho 1–0 1–0 2004 African Cup of Nations qualifier
11. 7 June 2003 Stade Leopold Senghor, Dakar  Gambia 2–0 3–1 2004 African Cup of Nations qualifier
12. 14 June 2003 Stade Leopold Senghor, Dakar  Lesotho 2–0 3–0 2004 African Cup of Nations qualifier
13. 3–0
14. 18 August 2004 Stade Pierre de Coubertin, Avignon  Ivory Coast 1–0 1–2 Friendly
15. 5 September 2004 Stade 26 mars, Bamako  Mali 1–1 2–2 2006 World Cup qualifier
16. 10 October 2004 National Complex, Paynesville  Liberia 2–0 3–0 2006 World Cup qualifier
17. 3–0
18. 26 March 2005 Stade Leopold Senghor, Dakar  Liberia 4–0 6–1 2006 World Cup qualifier
19. 18 June 2005 Stade Leopold Senghor, Dakar  Togo 2–1 2–2 2006 World Cup qualifier
20. 8 October 2005 Stade Leopold Senghor, Dakar  Mali 1–0 3–0 2006 World Cup qualifier
21. 3–0
22. 23 January 2006 Port Said Stadium, Port Said  Zimbabwe 1–0 2–0 2006 Africa Cup of Nations
23. 3 February 2006 Harras El-Hedoud Stadium, Alexandria  Guinea 3–1 3–2 2006 Africa Cup of Nations
24. 8 September 2007 Stade Leopold Senghor, Dakar  Burkina Faso 3–1 5–1 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
25. 4–1
26. 17 November 2007 Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir, Colombes  Mali 1–0 3–2 Friendly
27. 12 January 2008 Stade Leopold Senghor, Dakar  Namibia 3–1 3–1 Friendly
28. 31 January 2008 Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi  South Africa 1–1 1–1 2008 Africa Cup of Nations
29. 21 June 2008 Stade Leopold Senghor, Dakar  Liberia 3–0 3–1 2010 World Cup qualifier

Personal life

Camara has a son, Henri Jr. (born 11 November 2006) with his wife.

References

  1. 1 2 White, Nicolas (26 August 2004). "Camara breaks father's heart". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 June 2009.
  2. ↑ "Camara and Craddock in the spotlight". wolves.co.uk. 1 August 2003.
  3. ↑ "Wolves comeback stuns Leicester". BBC. 25 October 2003. Retrieved 1 September 2009.
  4. ↑ "Player of the Year is announced". wolves.co.uk. 15 May 2004.
  5. ↑ "Camara walks out on Wolves". BBC Sport website. 13 July 2004.
  6. ↑ "Wolves firm on Camara". BBC Sport website. 14 July 2004.
  7. ↑ "Camara joins Celtic". BBC Sport website. 30 July 2004.
  8. ↑ "Camara keen to impress". BBC Sport website. 31 July 2004.
  9. ↑ "Camara completes switch to Saints". BBC Sport website. 31 January 2005.
  10. ↑ "Camara joins Wigan in £3m switch". BBC Sport website. 6 August 2005.
  11. ↑ "West Ham sign Solano and Camara". BBC Sport website. 31 August 2007.
  12. ↑ "Sky Sports – Football – Premier League – News – Camara looks for new club". Sky Sports.
  13. ↑ "Wigan 4–0 Notts County". BBC Sports. 26 August 2008.
  14. ↑ "Sibierski keen to play on". Wigan Today. 9 June 2009. Retrieved 10 June 2009.
  15. ↑ "No Deal For Camara". Hull City. 13 August 2009. Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  16. ↑ "Blades snap up Camara". Sheffield United F.C. 22 October 2009. Retrieved 22 October 2009.
  17. ↑ "Camara clicks in an instant". The Sheffield Star. 23 November 2009. Retrieved 22 November 2009.
  18. ↑ "Dimbala and Camara sign with Panetolikos". panaitolikos1926.gr. 27 August 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  19. ↑ "Junior and Camara sign with Panetolikos". allsportsagrinio.gr. 28 July 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  20. ↑ "Στην Καλλονή ο Ανρί Καμαρά". www.novasports.gr. 12 May 2014.
  21. ↑ "Έφυγε από την Καλλονή ο Καμαρά". www.sport24.gr. 1 February 2015.
  22. ↑ "Στη Λαμία ο Ανρί Καμαρά". www.zougla.gr. 2 February 2015.
  23. ↑ "Επέστρεψε ο Καμαρά". panetolikos.gr. 18 August 2015.
  24. ↑ "Λύση συνεργασίας με Ανρί Καμαρά". www.panetolikos.gr. 18 January 2016.
  25. ↑ "Ανακοίνωσε Καμαρά ο Απόλλων". www.sport-fm.gr. 19 January 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  26. ↑ "Henri Camara". ESPN Soccernet. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
  27. 1 2 "Henri Camara – Goals in International Matches". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
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