Manchester City’s Hemp and Shaw Discuss ‘Dream’ Ballon d’Or Nominations

England international Lauren Hemp stated that receiving a nomination for the Women’s Ballon d’Or award was something she “always dreamed” of. The 24-year-old is one of three Lionesses vying for the award, which is widely acknowledged as the most prestigious individual accolade in football. Chelsea players Lauren James and Lucy Bronze constitute the remaining English nominees on the female list, with Hemp’s Manchester City team-mates Khadija Shaw and Yui Hasegawa also receiving nominations. Hemp conveyed her sentiments to BBC Sport, stating: “It’s very special, I just feel so grateful to be recognised by people not only in this league, but across the world,” she said. “It takes a lot for me to look back and see how far I’ve come. I’ve always dreamed of being on lists like this and to be nominated, so it’s a step in the right direction.” The ceremony is set to occur on Monday at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris at 19:45 GMT. Lyon striker Ada Hegerberg secured the inaugural Ballon d’Or in 2018. Since then, Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas has claimed the award twice. Retired American forward Megan Rapinoe was recognized in 2019, and Spain international Aitana Bonmati was named the recipient last year. The award was not conferred in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. City and Jamaica striker Shaw conveyed to BBC Sport: “If you had told me 10 years ago, that I would be in this position, I would probably have laughed at you,” she stated. “It goes to show that the game is evolving and we’re growing. It’s an individual award but the players I have around me make me look good. “It’s a special moment for us [at City]. All our efforts and hard work is being recognised.” Shaw concluded last season as the top scorer in the Women’s Super League, though Manchester City failed to secure the title, losing by goal difference. Additionally, she was honored with both the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year and the FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year accolades. Hemp characterized Shaw, stating: “She’s such a fox in the box,” she remarked. “In the seasons I’ve played with her, she’s come out on top and always finishes top goalscorer. She is great to have in the team.” Shaw indicated that any of her team-mates might have been nominated after Manchester City’s strong performance throughout the year, despite not winning any silverware. “A lot of players in our team could be on that list,” the 27-year-old added. “The overall effort we put in every day to not just score goals but improve.” Shaw continued, describing her dynamic with Hemp: “I am hard on Hemp. If she gives me a bad cross, I am going to be on her. If I don’t score, she will do the same.” She further praised Hemp: “She is a grafter and she buzzes around the pitch. She is an unbelievable player. I just know when she is out there, I have to be ready. “I love playing with her. I enjoy it each and every day. The sky is the limit for Hempo.” Hemp stated that she typically requires a “long time” to process her achievements, but she has already recognized the significance of her Ballon d’Or nomination. She further elaborated: “We’re surrounded by amazing players week-in, week-out,” she added. “It pushes us on to be so much better. “I take a lot of pride in being a grafter, like Shaw says, and giving my all every single time I put on that shirt. “If everyone is playing well, it makes me feel like I’ve playing well too. It’s a really proud moment.” Shaw also commented on her role as a role model, noting: “I didn’t have a lot of people I could look to.”