The winger has been awarded an MBE following another memorable year on the pitch, in which she helped England reach the World Cup final alongside six of her City team-mates.
Fellow Lionesses Mary Earps and Millie Bright also received an OBE and MBE respectively in the 2024 list, and Hemp believes that sort of recognition can only benefit the Women’s game.
The 23-year-old also revealed her team-mates’ reaction to her award, with the likes of former City stars Lucy Bronze and Jill Scott, as well as our current captain, Steph Houghton, having also been recognised in the past.
She explained: “Everyone’s really excited for me. As soon as I came into the changing room, they were asking who I was going to take and when I was going to go and get it.
“To be recognised among the likes of Jill [Scott] and Steph [Houghton], it’s just an honour to be considered among that group.
“I hope I can continue to be a role model to younger girls and boys wanting to get involved in football because the main thing is about being recognised.
“Women’s football has come a long way but there’s still so much more to go.
“This is the recognition that people deserve and that will help that and help children believe that it’s possible.”
Hear Lauren’s thoughts in full via the video above…
