Steven and Ryan Sessegnon made a memorable exit from Craven Cottage last month, each holding their own daughter as they walked off the pitch together. The twins, who grew up side‑by‑side in Fulham’s academy and have occasionally shared first‑team duties, found themselves on opposite sides of the same match for the first time in their careers – a moment that felt like a full circle for the family. In previous seasons, such a fixture 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 continued his career in south‑west London.

Now, however, Steven is truly back home – not merely geographically, but emotionally and socially. Speaking to Sky Sports from a terrace at the Dons’ New Malden training ground, he pointed out the familiar surroundings. "We used to play academy games literally across this grass," he said, gesturing to the left.

"I spent time at Coombe Boys School, which is only five minutes away, and Fulham’s Motspur Park is a six‑minute drive. My nephew Kayden is even in the U‑18 squad there." "It’s really wholesome to be back," Steven added. "Being close to 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’re playing 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 holds." His homecoming arrives at a pivotal juncture in his professional life. After a solid first season with Wigan in 2023/24 – 29 appearances in all competitions – his second campaign was marred by calf and knee injuries that kept him out after early January 2025. The following summer, new manager Gary Caldwell, who had replaced Ryan Lowe in February 2025, placed Steven on the transfer list.

"Things move quickly in football," Steven reflected. "When I was listed I was told I wouldn’t feature, so I missed the pre‑season trip.

Yet I ended up starting the first game of the season because of injuries and a lack of options, and I think 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 succeed, there’s no problem." A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did give him a chance, he was deployed at centre‑back – a position Steven had never occupied before.

"It was very, very tough," he admitted. "I wanted to contribute, but I didn’t have the confidence of the manager behind me. I felt I wasn’t trusted in my natural role, yet I still got a chance to play.

It simply didn’t click." He stressed that the experience was a valuable lesson. "The biggest takeaway was professionalism. Even when I wasn’t selected and was told I wasn’t part of the plans, I still had to carry myself and be the best version of myself. I felt I owed it to myself to prove I was still a good trainer and a good player, and that mindset helped me stay longer than perhaps the club intended." Wigan released him in the summer, and on 25 June he signed a two‑year contract with AFC Wimbledon, with an option for an additional twelve months.

"I was about to go on holiday with my family when I got the call. As soon as they said Wimbledon – local – I said ‘let’s sort it’. The role the manager Johnnie Jackson described was clear.

I knew I could come in, get minutes and show what I can do," Steven recalled. His debut for the Dons came on 8 August in the Carabao Cup against Newport, roughly six months after his last competitive appearance for Wigan. The surprise of being match‑fit again was evident on his face.

His league debut followed on 7 September, a 2‑0 victory over Bromley in Sky Bet League One. While he has had to be patient, he understands the reasoning behind the gradual integration. "Injuries make you anxious about returning, but the pre‑season and the club have looked after me well.

The manager communicates clearly and has given me the support I need. I wanted to start and play every game, but coming off the bench a few times has actually helped me regain my rhythm," he explained. He described Wimbledon’s style as the simplest yet most effective football he has ever played.

"We create chances, I get the ball high up the pitch, it’s not over‑thought and it brings out the best in the squad and in me. I’m enjoying it and it reduces pressure on everyone – we know we can produce opportunities, we just need to stay solid." Wimbledon’s defensive record backs his assessment: five clean sheets in seven games, the joint‑best in the Sky Bet EFL.

They sit four points behind leaders Bradford ahead of the upcoming trip to Cambridge, despite having scored only five goals so far. Bookmakers still list them among the favourites for relegation, but Steven feels optimism. "Now that I’m back on home soil, I have the chance to help the Dons defy the odds, right near where it all began," he said.

The upcoming Cambridge clash, broadcast live on Sky Sports+, offers another platform for him to prove his worth and perhaps rewrite the narrative of a career that has seen both promise and setbacks.