Steven and his brother Ryan Sessegnon stepped onto the pitch at Craven Cottage together 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, finally faced each other as opponents for the first time in their careers.
It was a moment that felt like a full circle, a reunion of family and football. In previous seasons, such a fixture would have been a perfect excuse for a family gathering.
Steven had spent the last three years living in Manchester while playing for Wigan Athletic, making a trip to London a rare event. Now, however, he is truly back in his native south‑west London, not just visiting but re‑establishing his roots. 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 matches literally on this very grass," he said, gesturing to the left. He added that he had attended Coombe Boys School, which sits only five minutes away from the training complex. Just a short six‑minute drive leads to Fulham's Motspur Park facility, where his nephew Kayden is currently a member of the U‑18 squad. "Being back feels incredibly wholesome," Steven remarked.
"Having my older brothers, nieces, nephews and, of course, my brother Ryan nearby a few times a week makes a huge difference. We play at different levels, so we don't compare results, but we talk about life, fatherhood, responsibility and what the future holds for each of us." His homecoming comes at a pivotal juncture in his professional journey. After a promising debut season with Wigan in 2023/24, where he featured in 29 games across all competitions, the following year was marred by calf and knee injuries that kept him sidelined from early January 2025. When Gary Caldwell took over from Ryan Lowe in February 2025, he promptly placed Steven on the transfer list.
"Things move quickly in football," Steven reflected. "When I was told I was on the transfer list, I missed the pre‑season trip because I was told I wouldn't feature.
Yet an injury crisis saw me start the first game of the season, and I thought I performed well." He accepted the club's decision with professionalism, noting that the manager wanted to take the team in a different direction. "As long as everyone can leave on good terms and find a club where they can succeed, there’s no problem," he said. 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 wanted to contribute, but I lacked the confidence and backing to thrive in an unfamiliar role." Despite the challenges, Steven emphasised the lessons learned. "The biggest takeaway was professionalism," he explained. "Even when I wasn’t selected, I kept my standards high, stayed fit and proved I was still a quality trainer and player.
That attitude probably kept me at the club longer than they initially intended." Wigan released him in the summer, and on 25 June he signed a two‑year deal with AFC Wimbledon, with an option for a further twelve months. "I was about to go on holiday with my family when I got the call," he recalled.
"When they said Wimbledon – a local club – I said, ‘let’s make it happen.’ The role the manager, Johnnie Jackson, outlined was clear, and I knew I could earn minutes and showcase my ability." Steven made his debut for the Dons on 8 August in the Carabao Cup against Newport, his first competitive appearance in six months. He expressed genuine amazement at being back on the pitch. His league debut followed on 7 September, a 2‑0 victory over Bromley in Sky Bet League One. Although he has largely been used off the bench, he understands the rationale.
"It feels a bit like returning from injury – there’s some anxiety, but the pre‑season and the club have looked after me well," he said. "The manager communicates clearly, and coming on as a substitute has actually helped me regain match sharpness." 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, and the system isn’t over‑complicated. It brings out the best in the squad and in me.
The pressure is lower because we trust our ability to build opportunities; we just need to stay solid defensively." Wimbledon’s defensive record backs that claim: 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 away fixture at Cambridge, a match that will be streamed live on Sky Sports+. Despite having scored only five goals so far, the Dons remain among the bookmakers’ favourites for relegation, making Steven’s contribution all the more vital.
Now, firmly planted on familiar soil, Steven Sessegnon has the platform to help AFC Wimbledon defy expectations and perhaps write a new chapter in his own career – one that begins just a stone’s throw from where his footballing journey first took shape.