Steven and Ryan Sessegnon stepped onto the pitch at Craven Cottage together last month, each cradling a daughter in his arms. The twins, who rose through Fulham’s youth system side by side and shared a handful of first‑team appearances, faced each other for the first time that evening – a moment that felt like a full circle for the family. In previous seasons, a fixture like this would have simply been a convenient family reunion.
Steven had been based in Manchester for three years, plying his trade for Wigan Athletic, while Ryan continued his career in south‑west London. Now, however, Steven is truly back home, not just geographically but emotionally, having returned to the area where his football journey began.
Speaking to Sky Sports from a terrace at the Dons’ training ground in New Malden, the 27‑year‑old points out the familiar surroundings. “We used to play academy matches literally on this very grass,” he says, gesturing to the left. “I spent my school days at Coombe Boys, only five minutes away, and Fulham’s Motspur Park training complex is a six‑minute drive from here.
My nephew Kayden is now part of the U‑18 squad there, which makes it even more special.” “It’s incredibly wholesome to be back,” Steven adds. “Being surrounded by family makes a huge difference. I get to see my older brothers, my nieces, my nephews, and I catch up with Ryan a few times a week.
We’re playing 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.” Steven’s homecoming arrives at a pivotal juncture in his professional life. After a promising first season with Wigan in 2023‑24, where he featured in 29 games across all competitions, his second campaign was marred by calf and knee injuries that kept him sidelined from early January 2025. The following summer, a change in management saw Gary Caldwell – who replaced Ryan Lowe in February 2025 – place Steven on the transfer list. “The football world moves quickly,” Steven reflects.
“When I was listed, I was told I wouldn’t feature and I missed the pre‑season tour. Yet, because of injuries and squad shortages, I ended up starting the opening match of the season and felt I performed well. It’s part of the business – managers come and go, clubs shift direction. As long as everyone leaves satisfied and players can find clubs where they can thrive, there’s no real problem.” A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did select Steven, he was deployed as a centre‑back – a position he had never occupied before.
“It was very, very tough,” he admits. “I wanted to contribute, but I didn’t have the confidence of the coaching staff behind me. I wasn’t given the chance to play in my natural role, yet I still got minutes on the pitch.
It was a steep learning curve.” He emphasizes the professional lessons he gleaned during that difficult period. “Even when I wasn’t selected, I had to carry myself with dignity and professionalism. I felt I owed it to myself to prove I was still a quality trainer and player.
That attitude probably kept me at the club longer than they intended.” Wigan released him in the summer, and on 25 June he signed a two‑year contract with AFC Wimbledon, with an optional additional year. “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 sort it out’,” he recalls. “The role they offered and the way manager Johnnie Jackson described it made sense. I knew I could get minutes and show what I can do.” 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 still marvels at the rapid return to match fitness.
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 rationale behind his gradual integration.
“It feels a bit like recovering from injury – there’s anxiety about getting back to full speed – but the pre‑season and the club have looked after me well. The manager communicates clearly, and I’m grateful for that,” Steven says. “I wanted to start and play every game, but coming off the bench a few times has actually helped me reacquaint myself with the pace of the game.” He describes the style of football at Wimbledon as the simplest yet most effective he has experienced.
“We keep the game straightforward, creating chances and allowing me to receive the ball high up the pitch. It isn’t over‑complicated, and that simplicity brings out the best in the squad and in me. I’ve enjoyed it, and it eases the pressure on everyone – we know we can create opportunities; we just need to stay solid defensively.” Wimbledon’s defensive record backs that claim: five clean sheets in seven matches, the joint‑best in the Sky Bet EFL. They sit four points behind league leaders Bradford ahead of their upcoming trip to Cambridge, a fixture broadcast live on Sky Sports+.
Despite having scored only five goals so far, the Dons remain among the bookmakers’ favourites for relegation, a paradox that underscores the competitive nature of League One. Now, firmly planted on familiar soil, Steven Sessegnon has the platform to help AFC Wimbledon defy expectations once more, just a stone’s throw from the place where his football story first unfolded. His journey – from Fulham academy prodigy, through the trials at Wigan, to a fresh start with the Dons – illustrates the resilience required to navigate the unpredictable world of professional football. Watch Cambridge vs AFC Wimbledon live on Sky Sports+ this Saturday at 3 pm, and stay tuned for what could be another chapter in Steven’s resurgence.