Ireland international Jess Ziu faced a heart-wrenching setback that no athlete ever wishes to endure once, let alone twice. The talented winger, who had just begun to regain her momentum after a gruelling recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, has found herself sidelined once more with the same injury. This time, it occurred during a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly for her club, West Ham United.
West Ham, in a statement that echoed both support and dissapointment, confirmed the news: "West Ham United can confirm that Jess Ziu sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in a behind closed doors pre-season friendly on Thursday afternoon. The 22-year-old will undergo surgery in due course and will then begin her rehabilitation programme at Chadwell Heath. Everyone at the Club would like to wish Jess well in her recovery."
For Ziu, the timing of this injury couldn’t be more cruel. Having just returned to the pitch last November after spending over a year battling her way back to fitness from a previous ACL injury, she was once again starting to show the form that had made her one of Ireland’s brightest young talents. Her return to action had been met with widespread optimism; she had been called up to Eileen Gleeson’s Ireland squad for early 2024 friendlies against Wales and Italy and played a role in the Nations League campaign.
But now, this latest setback not only rules her out of the Women’s Super League season but also the crucial Euro 2025 play-offs, a bitter pill to swallow for both the player and her country. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) expressed their support, stating, "Sending our love to Jess Ziu after she suffered an ACL injury. We’re with you, Jess."
Ziu’s journey has been one of relentless progress and promise. At just 16, she made her debut for Shelbourne, quickly becoming a vital part of the team. Her impressive performances earned her an early call-up to the Ireland squad, where she quickly transitioned from being a squad member to a regular starter under Vera Pauw. Her trajectory seemed unstoppable until the cruel twist of fate struck in October 2022, just days before Ireland secured their spot in the finals.
Yet, Ziu demonstrated remarkable resilience, making a triumphant return to international football in February after a 17-month absence. But now, as she faces another lengthy rehabilitation process.
