'A legacy' at 26 - how Hemp has grown at Man City

What the report says

Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp is being described by the club and supporters as having already built a significant legacy at age 26, after making her 200th appearance for the team in the Women’s Super League. BBC Sport reports that Hemp reached the milestone in City’s 3-1 win over newly promoted Birmingham City last Sunday, where she was named player of the match as City opened the defence of their WSL title. She is only the fourth player to reach 200 appearances for the club, after Steph Houghton, Keira Walsh and Demi Stokes.

Hemp has been at Manchester City since joining from Bristol City in 2018. Over that period, the England international has developed into one of Europe’s leading forwards and has helped City win six major trophies. The BBC notes that she has scored 74 goals in 200 appearances, made a record number of open-play chances in WSL history and sits near the top of the league’s all-time assist rankings. City manager Andree Jeglertz said after the Birmingham match that she brings constant impact and still has many years ahead of her at the club.

The article also places Hemp in a wider context of success for both City and England. She has been a key figure for the Lionesses during their recent European title wins, received an MBE in 2024 and signed a new three-year contract that same year. A City supporters’ club representative told BBC Sport that fans already view her as a club great, citing her loyalty and consistency.

City’s next league match is away to Aston Villa on Sunday.