Steven and his younger brother Ryan Sessegnon stepped onto the pitch at Craven Cottage last month, each cradling a daughter in his arms. The twins, who grew up side‑by‑side in Fulham's academy and have shared a handful of first‑team appearances, faced each other for the very first time that evening – a moment that felt like a full‑circle reunion. In previous seasons, such a fixture would have been a perfect excuse for a family gathering. Steven had spent three years in Manchester, plying his trade for Wigan Athletic, while Ryan was establishing himself in the south‑west London area.
Now, however, Steven is back not just geographically but emotionally, returning to the neighbourhood that shaped his early footballing years. Speaking to Sky Sports from a terrace at the Dons' training complex in New Malden, Steven gestured to the surrounding grass. "We used to play academy games literally across this very turf," he recalled, pointing to the left where the local Coombe Boys School sits just five minutes away.
He also mentioned Fulham’s Motspur Park training ground, a six‑minute drive from his new home, where his nephew Kayden is currently a member of the under‑18 squad. "It feels incredibly wholesome to be back," Steven said, smiling. "Being surrounded by family makes a huge difference.
I get to see my older brothers, my nieces and nephews, and I get to catch up with Ryan a few times a week. We play at different levels, so we don’t compare leagues, but we talk about life, fatherhood, responsibility and what the future holds for us as men in our families." His homecoming arrives at a pivotal juncture in his professional life.
In his debut season with Wigan in 2023/24, Steven featured in 29 matches across all competitions. The following year was marred by calf and knee problems, and he did not make an appearance after 4 January 2025.
At the start of his third campaign, new manager Gary Caldwell – who replaced Ryan Lowe in February 2025 – placed him on the transfer list. "Things move quickly in football," Steven reflected. "When I was listed, I was told I wouldn’t play and I missed the pre‑season trip.
Yet an injury crisis forced me into the starting XI for the first game of the season, and I thought I performed well. It’s part of the business.
The club wanted a new direction, and as long as everyone leaves happy and finds a place where they can thrive, there’s no problem." A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did select him, Steven was deployed as a centre‑back – a position he had never occupied before. "It was very, very tough," he admitted. "I felt I could contribute, but I lacked the confidence and trust that comes from playing in your natural role.
Still, I was given a chance to play, and I learned a lot that I can carry forward. The biggest lesson was professionalism. Even when I was sidelined and told I wasn’t part of the plans, I had to hold myself to the highest standards, stay fit and be a positive influence in training. I wanted to prove to myself and others that I was still a quality player, and that mindset probably kept me at the club longer than they intended." In the summer, Wigan released him, and on 25 June he signed a two‑year deal with AFC Wimbledon, with an optional additional year.
"I was about to go on holiday with my family when I got the call. As soon as they said Wimbledon – a local club – I said ‘let’s sort it out’," he recalled. "The role the manager, Johnnie Jackson, outlined was clear.
I knew I could get minutes, showcase my ability and help the team." Steven made his first appearance for the Dons on 8 August in the Carabao Cup against Newport, roughly six months after his last competitive outing for Wigan. He expressed genuine disbelief at how quickly he was back on the pitch.
His league debut followed on 7 September, a 2‑0 victory over Bromley in Sky Bet League One. He has been patient, understanding the need to rebuild his match fitness after a long injury lay‑off. "It’s like any injury – there’s anxiety about returning, but the pre‑season and the support at Wimbledon have been excellent. The manager communicates well and looks after me," he said.
"Initially I wanted to start every game, but coming off the bench a few times has actually helped me regain my rhythm. This is probably the simplest football I’ve ever played, but it’s also the most effective. We create chances, I get the ball high up the pitch, and the system isn’t over‑complicated.
It brings out the best in the squad and in me. I’ve enjoyed it so far, and it takes pressure off the team – we know we can create opportunities, we just need to stay solid defensively." Wimbledon’s defensive record backs his words: five clean sheets in seven games, the joint‑best in the Sky Bet EFL. They sit four points behind leaders Bradford United heading into the Saturday trip to Cambridge, a match broadcast live on Sky Sports+.
Despite having scored only five goals, the Dons remain among the bookmakers’ favourites for relegation this season – a paradox that underscores the importance of a sturdy backline. Now, back on familiar soil, Steven Sessegnon has the chance to help AFC Wimbledon defy those odds, playing just a stone’s throw from the fields where his football journey began. His story is one of resilience, family ties, and a determined effort to rebuild a career that once seemed uncertain.
As he continues to adapt to his new role and rediscover his confidence, fans can look forward to seeing the Sessegnon twins once again share the spotlight – this time on opposite sides of the pitch, yet both striving for success in their own right.