Lauren Hemp's Legacy: 100G/A Milestone

Lauren Hemp has just reached a landmark 100th goal involvement in the WSL, only the 7th to do so in history.

Yet her decorated career in the WSL and her impact and influence at both Club and International level would have felt like a distant dream when she was growing up.

Living in North Walsham, Hemp began playing for a boys club aged 8, and by age 10 she decided to try out for a girls team but was rejected. Despite the teams decision, her unwavering persistence led her to try for another girls team a year later, Norwich City, and she remained there from 2008 until its closing in 2015.

From there she decided to take a risk and move in with a host family in order to play for Bristol City. It was here where she had her breakout season, becoming their top goalscorer in the 2017/18 season, scoring 9 goals in 24 appearances, one of them being against Arsenal. Her impressive goalscoring record was recognised when she recieved PFA's Young Player of the Year award - an award she would go on to win another 3 times, making her the first person to win the same award on 4 separate occasions. She quickly caught the eye of Manchester City who called her up and told her they were interested. Hemp however, thought that she was being prank called and hung up the phone! But she states that when she found out they were serious there was no question as to what her answer would be.

Hemp joined Manchester City in 2018 and since then has become one of their most crucial players, as manager Andree Jeglertz said Hemp "already has a legacy", and she's still got more time to add to it!

Within her 100 goal involvements in the WSL she's acquired 200 appearances for Man City, only the fourth player to achieve such a feat. She became the youngest player to achieve 50 goals in the WSL back in 2024 where she scored against West Ham United, and her continued clinicality in front of goal has led her to become Man City's second highest goalscoarer, only behind golden boot winner Bunny Shaw. However, it is her creativity on the pitch and her ability to create endless chances for her team that makes her truly world class. She's got the second most assists in WSL history, including her impressive 24/25 campaign where she managed to acquire the most assists in the WSL despite only playing 10 games that season! She has also created the most chances from open play in WSL history. Her contribution to the club has helped them win 6 major trophies, most notably their WSL title last season. 

Photo Credit: @England

Photo Credit: @mancitywomen

Furthermore, her winning mentality and growing "legacy" are also being created on an international level. Having made her senior debut in 2019 for the Lionesses, her quality at club level has undoubtedly translated onto the big stage. She was the youngest player for Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics, but her England career took off properly during the 2022 Euros. The Lionesses extra-time winner in the Euros final has become an iconic moment, with Chloe Kelly rightfully earning most of the limelight, yet it was Hemp's corner delivery that gave her teammates the opportunity to find the winner. Hemp was crucial in the Lionesses winning their first major international trophy, and was again a vital player in how they defended their Euros title in 2025. Despite the Lionesses not winning the 2023 World Cup, Hemp's goal against Australia in the semi-final, infront of a Sydney crowd, as well as her no-look assist to Alessia Russo to solidify their place in their first ever final, shows her quality, especially in big moments.

Her impact on women's football earnt her an MBE back in 2024, and her impact and legacy has only catalysed since then.

Man City's WSL title win last season put an end to Chelsea's 6 years of dominance, and ended City's 10-year league title drought. She scored in the FA Cup final against Brighton last season in City's 4-0 battering, and continues to make an impact for the club. Man City have become a force to be reckoned with, with Hemp's pace and creativity being a big part of the club's attacking ammunition.

With City in title contention again, as well as their reintroduction to Champions League football, I am sure Hemp has her sights set on acquiring silverware once more, with her 100 goal involvements being proof enough that she continues to be a serious threat on the pitch.