Lauren Hemp: Manchester City and England Star Embraces Life Off the Pitch

Walking into a Manchester padel club on a sunny Saturday afternoon, women’s footballer Lauren Hemp prefers to go unnoticed. Despite her status as a top player, she is greeted casually and spends her time quietly enjoying the game, away from the spotlight she often encounters on the field.

“I get nervous speaking in front of people,” Hemp admits. “On the pitch, I feel comfortable. Off the field, I’m more reserved and tend to keep a low profile. But once I step onto the pitch, I feel a different spark.”

At just 24, Hemp has already achieved remarkable milestones: a European Championship victory, a World Cup final appearance, the record as the youngest player to score 50 goals in the Women’s Super League, and multiple PFA Young Player of the Year awards. She was also nominated for the Ballon d’Or last year.

Her importance to England’s upcoming Euro campaign is undeniable. Having participated in every game in Euro 2022—including the corner kick that led to Chloe Kelly’s winning goal—Hemp’s star continues to rise. Standing just 5ft 5in, she is one of the quickest players in the game, often leaving defenders in her wake.

Lauren Hemp is understated - but is also one of the best players in England

Known for her directness and explosive dribbling, Hemp is a key creator and scorer. She led the WSL assists for the second consecutive season despite limited game time due to injury. Her goal in the 2023 World Cup semi-final helped England reach the final, solidifying her reputation as a clutch performer.

“I try not to celebrate too much with awards; I focus on what’s next,” she says. Her love for sports extends beyond football—she enjoys playing padel with her partner, former Liverpool player Ashley Hodson, and has discovered a competitive edge in the game.

Hemp admits she probably annoys her Manchester City team-mates with her ability to pick up padel from scratch

Her athletic background began in Norfolk, inspired by her father’s visits to Norwich City with her sister. Transitioning from cricket to football at age 15, Hemp’s talent quickly became evident. After joining Bristol City and earning the PFA Young Player award, she moved to Manchester City in 2018, focusing solely on football.

Her journey wasn’t without setbacks; a meniscus injury threatened her participation in Euro 2023. Recovering from surgery, Hemp remained focused, aiming to contribute to England’s challenging group stage against France, the Netherlands, and Wales.

Hemp will play in her third major tournament for the Lionesses, having scored 18 goals in 64 caps for her country

Reflecting on her career, Hemp emphasizes her dedication: “I want to be remembered as someone willing to do anything for the team. I aspire to be one of the best wingers globally.” With her talent and drive, that goal seems well within reach as she prepares to showcase her skills on the international stage once again.