How girl in gold boots Lauren James is on her way to a million pounds after scoring twice for the Lionesses at the World Cup
After scoring two goals and providing three assists in the Lionesses’ 6-1 World Cup win over China yesterday, Lauren James is undoubtedly football’s newest superstar.
But after being named Player of the Match, she is on the verge of becoming not only one of the best female footballers in the world, but possibly one of the richest as well.
After the game, Ms James said: “A new day, obviously that’s what dreams are made of.”
The defender, whose brother Reece also plays for England, has already secured six lucrative contracts but thanks to her impressive performances during the World Cup she is now predicted to at least double her income – it is already estimated at over £500,000 a year .
Ms James, 21 – who also scored the winner against Denmark last week – is already the face of deodorant brand Sure on billboards across the UK, has a deal with children’s debit card company GoHenry and is also an ambassador for Google Pixel phones Nike.
Lauren James celebrated England’s fourth goal in the Group Stage match of the Women’s World Cup against China at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, Australia yesterday
Lauren James celebrates with her team-mates after scoring against China in Adelaide yesterday
Lauren James addresses the press conference following England’s win in Adelaide yesterday
Lauren James poses with her Player of the Match award after yesterday’s win in Adelaide
Fans showed their support for Lauren James at the Women’s World Cup in Adelaide yesterday
Lauren James at the Central Coast Stadium gym in Gosford, New South Wales on Monday
The star, who plays for Chelsea like her older brother, also has deals with protein company Optimum Nutrition UK and Barclays Bank.
Ms James is asking around £14,000 for an Instagram post, but with her follower count having tripled in recent weeks, she can now charge far more.
Economists say that up until last year, when the Lionesses won the European Championship, male footballers were making more than four times what women were for a brand deal.
However, an expert specializing in sports contracts says that while men still earn more, women are catching up fast – and none more so than Ms James.
They said: “When it comes to deals, what matters most is how someone plays on the court and Lauren is a star.”
“She is the woman of the moment and unless something drastic happens, she is well on her way to becoming a big name after the World Cup.”
‘£14,000 for a job will be tiny in a few weeks.’ She’ll make a fortune.’
James meets fans after training at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, Australia on July 25
Lauren James (right) with Katie Zelem (left) and Lucy Bronze (centre) backstage during a photo shoot for Marks & Spencer at St George’s Park in Burton upon Trent June 27
Chelsea’s Reece James celebrates winning the Champions League with his sister Lauren in Porto in May 2021
Reece James shared this photo on social media of him growing up with his sister Lauren
Ms James was the star of yesterday’s game in Adelaide as the Lionesses confidently advanced to the quarter-finals. On Monday they play against Nigeria.
She scored in the 41st and 65th minutes and failed to score a hat-trick as her stunning goal just before half-time was controversially ruled void for an offside position in the run-up. She also provided three assists.
Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly also scored.
Ms James’ love of football began when she was a young child playing with her brother outside their home in Mortlake, south west London.
As a teenager, her unsurpassed ball skills put her well ahead of girls in her age group.
At 14 she signed up for Arsenal Academy but coach Pedro Martinez Losa was quick to send Lauren to the women’s team as she was too good to play with girls her age.
But after Lauren threw in a penalty, the seniors demanded that she be transferred back to Arsenal academy.