Steven and Ryan Sessegnon made a memorable exit from Craven Cottage last month, each holding their young daughters as they walked out side by side. The twins, who grew up together in Fulham's academy and have shared a handful of first‑team appearances, faced each other on the pitch for the first time that evening – a moment that felt like a full‑circle climax to their intertwined journeys.
In the three seasons prior, a match of this nature would have been an ideal family reunion. Steven had spent the previous three years in Manchester, plying his trade for Wigan Athletic, while Ryan continued his career closer to home. Now, however, Steven has returned to his roots, not merely to the south‑west London region but to the very neighbourhood where his footballing story began. During a relaxed interview with Sky Sports on the terrace of AFC Wimbledon’s training complex in New Malden, Steven gestured to the surrounding grass.
“We used to play academy games literally across this grass,” he recalled, smiling. He pointed to a nearby school, “I spent time at Coombe Boys School, which is only five minutes away,” he added. Just a short six‑minute drive leads to Fulham’s Motspur Park training ground, where his nephew Kayden is currently a member of the U‑18 squad.
“The feeling of being back is incredibly wholesome,” Steven said. “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 each week. We play at different levels, so there isn’t a direct comparison, 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. In his debut season with Wigan (2023/24) he featured in 29 matches across all competitions. The following season was marred by calf and knee injuries, and he did not make another appearance after 4 January 2025.
At the start of his third campaign, new manager Gary Caldwell – who replaced Ryan Lowe in February 2025 – placed Steven on the transfer list. “Things move quickly in football,” he reflected. “When I was listed, I was told I wouldn’t play and I missed the pre‑season trip.
Yet, because of injuries and lack of depth, I started the first game of the season and thought I performed well. It’s part of the business. The club wanted to go in a different direction, and as long as everyone can leave happy and find a place where they can thrive, there’s no problem.” A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did give Steven a chance, he was deployed as a centre‑back – a position he had never occupied before.
“It was very, very tough,” Steven admitted. “I felt I could contribute, but I didn’t have the trust or belief to play in my natural role.
Still, I was given a chance to play football, and I learned a lot. The biggest lesson was professionalism.
Even when I was told I wasn’t part of the plans, I kept my head high, stayed disciplined, and proved I was still a good 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 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 get it sorted,’” he recounted.
“It also mattered where I would play and how manager Johnnie Jackson envisioned my role. It was straightforward – I knew I could come in, earn minutes, and showcase my ability.” Steven’s first appearance for the Dons came on 8 August in the Carabao Cup against Newport, roughly six months after his last competitive match for Wigan. He expressed genuine disbelief at how quickly things had turned around. His league debut followed on 7 September, a 2‑0 victory over Bromley in Sky Bet League One.
Though he has had to be patient, he understands the rationale behind his gradual integration. “It feels a bit like recovering from injuries – there’s always a hint of anxiety about getting back to full speed,” he explained. “But the pre‑season and the club have looked after me exceptionally well. The manager communicates clearly and has given me the support I need.” Steven noted that starting from the bench has actually helped him regain his match fitness and confidence.
“I wanted to start and play as many games as possible, but those substitute appearances have helped me get back into the rhythm of the game,” he said. “Wimbledon’s style is probably the simplest football I’ve played, but it’s also the most effective. We create chances, I get the ball high up the pitch, and the system isn’t over‑thought.
It brings out the best in the squad and in me. I’ve enjoyed it so far, and it relieves pressure on the team – we know we can create chances; we just need to stay solid defensively.” The Dons have indeed been defensively resilient, keeping five clean sheets in seven matches – the joint‑best record in the Sky Bet EFL at the time of writing. They sit four points behind league leaders Bradford City heading into the Saturday trip to Cambridge, a game broadcast live on Sky Sports+. Despite having scored only five goals, Wimbledon remain among the bookmakers’ favourites for relegation, a paradox that underscores the unpredictability of the league.
Back on familiar ground, Steven now has the platform to help AFC Wimbledon defy expectations once again, playing just a stone’s throw from the fields where his footballing journey began. His story illustrates the resilience required to navigate setbacks, the importance of family support, and the value of professionalism when clubs change direction. As the season progresses, fans will watch closely to see whether the Sessegnon twins, each carving his own path, will continue to inspire with their dedication, humility, and love for the beautiful game.