Lauren Hemp: A Legacy at 26
BBC Sport explores the remarkable rise of Manchester City forward, Lauren Hemp, who has cemented her legacy at just 26 years old.
Hemp joined Manchester City in 2018 from Bristol City and has since made over 200 appearances for the club. During her time there, she has lifted six major trophies and established herself as one of Europe’s finest forwards.
Andree Jeglertz, City manager, praised Hemp, stating that she "already has a legacy" despite still having time to add to her impressive resume.
Her Impact on the Team
- Awards and Recognitions: Hemp has received numerous accolades, including four Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Young Player of the Year awards, three PFA Team of the Year selections, and has been a key player for both Manchester City and the England Lionesses under Sarina Wiegman.
- Goal Scoring and Assists: She has scored 74 goals in 200 appearances for City, surpassing only Khadija Shaw for most goals by a City striker in the professional era. Hemp is also second on the all-time WSL assist charts.
- Performance Against Birmingham: In their recent match, Hemp had more entries in the final third than any other team member (besides Gracie Prior) and 16 touches in the opposition box.
Manager’s Perspective
Jeglertz emphasizes Hemp’s enduring passion for the game: "Just give her the ball and something happens!" He goes on to highlight her youthful enthusiasm, saying, "I really hope she never loses that… She loves football."
Fan Viewpoint
Hemp’s City career has coincided with a golden era for the England Lionesses, where she played a pivotal role in their recent successes.
