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.
What impact has Hemp had?
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. She loves football.
“That shows young players what it’s about. They need to love to go to work. It’s not just a job, it’s an identity.
“What she has done for the club in 200 games… she is still pretty young. She can play many more games here. That’s amazing that she has a legacy already.”
Hemp’s City career has also coincided with a successful period for the Lionesses in which she played a key role in helping them win back-to-back European titles.
Having joined from Bristol City as a high-flying teenager in 2018, she has grown up during her time in Manchester.
She was awarded an MBE in 2024 for services to football, and signed a three-year contract extension with City that year.
Last season the club won their first WSL title in a decade, as well as the Women’s FA Cup – reward for Hemp’s commitment.
Jayne Comer, secretary for the Manchester City supporters club and a season ticket holder for more than 10 years, said Hemp was already considered a “legend”.
“She is absolutely loved by us all. She remained fiercely loyal to the club, when, let’s face it, she could have signed for any team in the world,” Comer told BBC Sport.
“The fact she stayed and gives her all every week means so much to us. We’ve had the privilege of watching one of the best players in the world.
“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, who watched Hemp play live before she joined City, also considered her “one of the greatest players we’ve ever had”.
“She is always one of the first names on the teamsheet for any manager and looks like somebody who loves to play football,” she added.
“I remember the very first time I saw Lauren play was when we were away at Bristol and she really caught my attention.
“Even back then, you could see what a talent she was. She just oozed potential. I was really excited to see how she would progress and I have not been disappointed.
“What a player! I count myself lucky every time I see her playing in sky blue.”
City visit Aston Villa in the WSL on Sunday (18:30 BST).