Lauren Hemp celebrated her 200th appearance for Manchester City on Sunday, delivering a standout performance to help the defending Women’s Super League champions secure a 3-1 victory over newly promoted Birmingham City. The England international was named player of the match as she marked the milestone in emphatic style.
At 26, Hemp has become one of only four players in the club’s history to reach the two-century mark, joining legends Steph Houghton, Keira Walsh, and Demi Stokes. Since arriving from Bristol City in 2018, she has established herself as one of Europe’s premier forwards, contributing to six major trophies during her eight-year tenure.
Her impact on the pitch is reflected in the statistics: Hemp has scored 74 goals in 200 games and holds the record for the most chances created from open play in WSL history. She sits second on the league’s all-time assist list and ranks only behind striker Khadija Shaw in terms of goals scored by a City player in the professional era. In the recent match against Birmingham, she registered more final-third entries than any teammate except Gracie Prior and recorded 16 touches inside the opposition penalty area.
City manager Andree Jeglertz highlighted Hemp’s enduring influence, stating that she “already has a legacy” at the club. Jeglertz emphasized the importance of her passion, noting, “Just give her the ball and something happens!” He added that observing her training sessions reveals the same joy she displays in matches, calling her attitude a vital example for younger players.
Hemp’s individual accolades include a record fourth Professional Footballers’ Association young player of the year award in 2022 and three selections to the PFA Team of the Year. Her success at the club level mirrors her achievements with the Lionesses, where she played a key role in securing back-to-back European titles.
Recognized for her services to football, Hemp was awarded an MBE in 2024, the same year she signed a three-year contract extension with City. The following season saw the club clinch their first WSL title in a decade alongside the Women’s FA Cup.
Fans have embraced Hemp as a cornerstone of the club. Jayne Comer, secretary of the Manchester City supporters club, described her as a “legend” who has been “absolutely loved” by the fanbase due to her loyalty and consistent excellence. “Every week she gets us all on our feet. When she gets the ball, it’s exciting. You always feel like something spectacular might happen,” Comer said.
City are set to continue their title defense with a WSL match against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Eight years and still going strong. That longevity at the top level is genuinely rare and deserves more recognition.
Is it safe to say she is the most exciting winger in the WSL right now? Every time she gets the ball, I hold my breath.
Only four players to reach 200 apps for City? That really highlights how much she means to the club history.
What a player! Seventy-four goals in two hundred games is just incredible consistency at this level.