Lauren Hemp has already achieved more than most footballers at the age of 26. The England international made her 200th appearance for Manchester City last Sunday as they began the defence of their Women's Super League title. She was player of the match as they beat newly promoted Birmingham City 3-1, capping off her milestone appearance in the perfect way.
Hemp is only the fourth player in City's history to reach the landmark of 200 appearances, following Steph Houghton, Keira Walsh and Demi Stokes. During her eight years at the club, she has grown to become one of Europe's best forwards and helped them lift six major trophies. It was no surprise City manager Andree Jeglertz said Hemp "already has a legacy" - and there is still plenty of time to build on it.
Find interviews and extra content on the BBC Women's Football Weekly feed New contenders emerge on WSL return - but Man City start strong Individual accolades have flooded in during Hemp's time at City. She scooped up a record fourth Professional Footballers' Association young player of the year award in 2022, has been named in the PFA team of the year three times and has established herself as a key member of Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses. Hemp has netted 74 goals in 200 appearances and has created more chances from open play than any other player in the WSL's history.
Only striker Khadija Shaw has scored more City goals in the professional era than Hemp, and the England forward is second in the WSL's all-time assist charts. Against Birmingham, she had more entries in the final third than any team-mate besides Gracie Prior and 16 touches in the opposition box. In summary, Hemp has proved to be a crucial player for City and starred as they won a domestic double under Jeglertz last season.
"Just give her the ball and something happens!" he said after the victory over Birmingham. "What I feel is fascinating with Lauren is that if you come and watch one of our training sessions, you see she has the same enjoyment for playing football that she shows in games. "I really hope she never loses that.
She is always kicking a ball, she is never too tired to do anything and she wants to be there. "That shows young players what it's about. They need to love to go to work.
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