Steven and his brother Ryan Sessegnon stepped onto the pitch at Craven Cottage last month, each cradling a daughter, and marked a rare family moment that had never occurred before. The twins, who grew up side‑by‑side in Fulham’s academy and shared a handful of first‑team appearances for the club, faced each other on the field for the first time, turning a simple match into a full‑circle experience. In earlier seasons, such a fixture would have been an ideal excuse for a family reunion.
At that point, Steven was still based in Manchester, plying his trade for Wigan Athletic. Today, however, he has returned to his roots—not merely to the south‑west London area, but to the very neighbourhood that shaped his early footballing life. Speaking to Sky Sports from a terrace at the Dons’ training ground in New Malden, Steven pointed out the familiar surroundings. “We used to play academy games literally on this grass,” he said, gesturing to the left.
He added that he attended Coombe Boys School, just five minutes away, and that Fulham’s Motspur Park facility is a six‑minute drive from his current home. Even his nephew Kayden, a member of Fulham’s under‑18 squad, lives nearby.
"It’s really wholesome to be back," Steven explained. "Being around family helps massively.
I get to see my older brothers, my nieces and nephews, and I see Ryan a few times a week." Although the brothers now compete at different levels, their conversations revolve around fatherhood, responsibility and the future of their families rather than league standings. "We’re not in the same league, so there isn’t too much to compare on the pitch," Steven noted, "but we catch up about life, being dads, being providers, being men in our families and what lies ahead." 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 a calf injury and a knee problem that kept him out of action after early January 2025.
When the 2025‑26 season began, new manager Gary Caldwell—who had succeeded Ryan Lowe in February 2025—placed Steven on the transfer list. “The business side of football moves quickly,” Steven reflected. “When I was put on the transfer list, I was told I wouldn’t feature and I missed the pre‑season trip.
Yet I ended up starting the first game of the season because of injuries and squad shortages, and I thought I performed well.” He accepted the situation with professionalism, emphasizing that clubs must make decisions that suit both parties. "As long as everyone can leave happy and move to clubs where they can thrive, there’s no problem." A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did give Steven a chance, it was in an unfamiliar role at centre‑back.
"It was very tough," he admitted. "I felt I could contribute, but I didn’t have the trust or belief to play in my natural position. Still, I was given a chance to play football, and it was up to me. It simply didn’t work out." Steven used the setback as a learning experience, focusing on professionalism even during the darkest periods.
"Even when I wasn’t selected, I knew I had to carry myself as the best possible person," he said. "I felt I owed it to myself to prove I was still a good trainer and a good player, and that mindset probably kept me at the club longer than they intended." The Latics released him in the summer, and on 25 June he signed a two‑year deal with AFC Wimbledon, with an optional extra 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 get it sorted’," Steven recalled. He was also attracted by the role the manager, Johnnie Jackson, envisioned for him.
"It wasn’t complicated. I knew I could come in, get minutes, and showcase my ability." His 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 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. Though initially limited to substitute roles, Steven appreciated the gradual reintegration.
"It’s like recovering from injuries; there’s anxiety about getting back, but Wimbledon looked after me well. The manager communicated clearly and gave me the chance to ease back into the game." 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’ve enjoyed it so far and it relieves pressure on the whole team; we know we can create chances, we just have to stay solid." Wimbledon’s defensive record backs his words: five clean sheets in seven matches, the joint‑best in the Sky Bet EFL.
The club sits four points behind leaders Bradford ahead of their upcoming trip to Cambridge, despite having scored only five goals so far. Oddly, bookmakers still list them among the favourites for relegation this season.
Now, firmly back on familiar soil, Steven Sessegnon has the opportunity to help AFC Wimbledon defy expectations, playing just a short distance from the fields where his footballing story began. His journey illustrates resilience, adaptability, and the importance of family support in a career that has seen both highs and lows.