Jodi Jones Wins at Wembley After 5 Years of ACL Injuries

Jodi Jones hasn't lost at Wembley, and Monday proved his biggest comeback story yet.

The 28-year-old winger delivered a stunning performance in Notts County's 3-0 League Two play-off final victory over Salford City. He played a part in the first two goals before sealing the promotion with a third, earning man-of-the-match honors on one of football's biggest stages.

But just a few years ago, Jones worried his career might be over. Three ACL knee surgeries kept him off the pitch for 897 days between 2017 and 2021, causing him to miss 130 matches while at Coventry City.

He didn't start a single league game for more than five years. From his injury in November 2017 to finally returning in January 2023 on loan at Notts County, Jones spent 1,900 days wondering if moments like Monday would ever come.

"Tough times," Jones said while holding the trophy, getting emotional. "I can only thank my family and Coventry for sticking by me and giving me contract after contract when I could have been down and out."

Coventry kept renewing his contracts even when his return seemed uncertain. That loyalty gave Jones the chance to rebuild his career, and he hasn't forgotten it.

Why This Inspires

Jones turned his comeback into something remarkable. After helping Notts County win promotion from the National League in 2023, he was named League Two Player of the Year in 2024 with 24 assists, breaking a record previously shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne.

Now he's helped deliver a second promotion in four seasons. "I'm back playing football and enjoying myself, that's the main thing," Jones told BBC Sport after the match.

His manager Martin Paterson called him a "magician and flair player" but emphasized how the team's hard work creates space for individual brilliance. Jones thrives in big moments because his teammates give him the platform to shine.

At the start of the season, Jones made a bold prediction in his family group chat. His former club Arsenal, his beloved Coventry, and current team Notts County would all find success this season.

All three clubs delivered. Arsenal won silverware, Coventry earned promotion, and Notts County joined them in climbing the football pyramid.

"And it's happened, fantastic," Jones said with a smile.

For someone who spent years wondering if he'd play again, Jones is now thinking about writing another Wembley chapter. "I'd like to think there's another chapter at Wembley coming for me," he said.

After everything he's overcome, nobody would bet against him.