Steven and his twin brother Ryan Sessegnon made a memorable exit from Craven Cottage last month, each cradling their own daughter as they walked out side by side. The two had risen through Fulham's youth system together and even shared a few first‑team appearances, but that evening marked the first time they faced each other as opponents on the pitch – a full‑circle moment that highlighted how far both have travelled. In previous seasons, a fixture like this would have been a perfect excuse for a family reunion. Steven had spent three years in Manchester, plying his trade for Wigan Athletic, while Ryan was still based in London.

Now, however, Steven has truly come back home – not merely to the south‑west London region but to the familiar streets and neighbourhoods of his childhood. During a recent interview with Sky Sports, filmed on the training ground terrace at New Malden, Steven pointed out the grass he once kicked on as a youngster. "We used to play academy matches literally across this very grass," he said, gesturing to the left where Coombe Boys School sits just five minutes away. He also mentioned that Fulham’s Motspur Park facilities are only a short six‑minute drive from his family home, where his nephew Kayden is currently a member of the U‑18 squad.

"It feels incredibly wholesome to be back," Steven explained. "Being surrounded by family makes a huge difference. I get to see my older brothers, my nieces and nephews, and I see Ryan a few times a week.

We play at different levels, so there isn’t a direct comparison, but we catch up about life, fatherhood, providing for our families and what the future might hold." Steven’s homecoming arrives at a pivotal juncture in his professional journey. In his debut season with Wigan (2023/24) he featured in 29 matches across all competitions.

The following year was marred by calf and knee problems that kept him out after early January 2025. At the start of his third season, new manager Gary Caldwell – who replaced Ryan Lowe in February 2025 – placed Steven on the transfer list.

"Things move quickly in football," Steven reflected. "When I was told I was on the transfer list I was told I wouldn’t play, so I missed the pre‑season tour. Yet I ended up starting the first league game because of injuries and lack of options, and I think I performed well." He added that the club’s decision was simply a strategic shift: "The manager wanted to go in a different direction.

As long as everyone can leave happy and find a club where they can succeed, there’s no problem with it." A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did give him a chance, 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 didn’t have the confidence or trust from the staff to excel in that role." Despite the challenges, Steven chose to view the experience as a learning curve. "The biggest lesson was professionalism," he said. "Even when I wasn’t selected, I kept my standards, stayed disciplined and proved I was still a good trainer and player. That attitude probably kept me at the club longer than they originally intended." Wigan released him in the summer, and on 25 June he signed a two‑year contract – with an optional extra year – with AFC Wimbledon.

"I was about to go on holiday with my family when the call came. As soon as they said Wimbledon, a local club, I said ‘let’s get it sorted’," Steven recalled. He was also attracted by the role Johnnie Jackson, the Dons’ manager, outlined for him. "I knew I could get minutes and showcase my ability," he added.

Steven’s first appearance for the Dons came on 8 August in the Carabao Cup against Newport, roughly six months after his last competitive outing for Wigan. He expressed genuine amazement at being back on the pitch so quickly.

His league debut followed on 7 September, a 2‑0 victory over Bromley in Sky Bet League One. Though he has largely been used as a substitute, he understands the importance of patience.

"Coming back from injury brings a bit of anxiety, but the pre‑season and the support at Wimbledon have been fantastic. The manager communicates well and looks after me," he said.

"I wanted to start and play every minute, but those bench appearances have actually helped me regain match sharpness." Steven describes the style of football at Wimbledon as the simplest yet most effective he has experienced. "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. It takes pressure off everyone because we know we can produce opportunities if we stay solid." Wimbledon’s defensive record backs his assessment: five clean sheets in seven games, the joint‑best in the Sky Bet EFL at the time of writing.

They sit four points behind leaders Bradford City heading into the Saturday trip to Cambridge, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+. Despite having scored only five goals, the Dons remain among the bookmakers’ favourites for relegation – a dubious distinction that only fuels the club’s determination. Now, firmly planted on familiar ground, Steven Sessegnon has the chance to help AFC Wimbledon defy the odds and perhaps write a new chapter in a story that began on the same streets where he first kicked a ball.

His journey illustrates the resilience required to bounce back from setbacks, the value of family support, and the promise of a fresh start when you return home. Watch the Cambridge versus AFC Wimbledon clash live on Sky Sports+ this Saturday at 3 pm, and keep an eye on Steven as he continues to rebuild his career, one match at a time.