Steven and his younger brother Ryan Sessegnon made a memorable exit from Craven Cottage last month, each cradling a daughter as they walked out side by side. The twins, who grew up together in Fulham's youth system and shared a handful of first‑team appearances for the club, faced each other on the pitch for the very first time that evening – a moment that felt like a full‑circle reunion.
In previous seasons such a fixture would have been an ideal family gathering, with Steven still based in Manchester after three years with Wigan Athletic. This time, however, he has truly come back to his roots – not merely to south‑west London, but to the neighbourhood that shaped his early footballing years. While speaking to Sky Sports on a terrace at the Dons' training ground in New Malden, Steven pointed out the familiar grass they once contested as academy players.
"We used to play academy games literally across this grass," he recalled, gesturing to the left where his old school, Coombe Boys, sits just five minutes away. He also mentioned that Fulham’s Motspur Park training complex is a short six‑minute drive, where his nephew Kayden currently features for the U‑18 side. "It feels incredibly wholesome to be back," Steven said, smiling.
"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 each week.
We play at different levels, so we don’t compare leagues, but we catch up on life, fatherhood, responsibility and what the future holds for us as men in our families." His homecoming arrives at a pivotal juncture in his professional life. After a debut season with Wigan in 2023/24 in which he logged 29 appearances across all competitions, his second year was marred by calf and knee injuries that sidelined him from early January 2025. When Gary Caldwell took over from Ryan Lowe in February 2025, the new manager placed Steven on the transfer list. "Things move quickly in football," Steven reflected.
"When I was put on the list I was told I wouldn’t feature, so I missed the pre‑season trip. Yet I ended up starting the first match of the season because of injuries and lack of options, and I felt I performed well." He accepted the reality that clubs sometimes change direction, adding, "As long as everyone walks away happy and players find clubs where they can succeed, there’s no problem." 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 tough.
I wanted to help the team but didn’t feel the trust or belief to play my natural role," he admitted. "Nevertheless I was still given a chance to play, and I learned a lot from that experience. The biggest lesson was professionalism.
Even when I wasn’t selected, I kept my standards high and proved 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 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. As soon as they mentioned Wimbledon – a local club – I said ‘let’s sort it out’," he recalled.
He added that the role the manager Johnnie Jackson outlined was clear: get minutes, show his ability, and help the team. 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 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 he has had to be patient, he understands the rationale behind his gradual integration. "Injuries create anxiety about returning, but the pre‑season and the club’s support have been excellent. The gaffer communicates well and looks after me," he said. "I wanted to start and play every game, but coming off the bench a few times has actually helped me regain my touch and confidence." He described Wimbledon’s style as "the simplest football I’ve ever played, yet the most effective.
We create chances, I get the ball high up the pitch, and it isn’t over‑thought. That simplicity brings out the best in the squad and in me. I’ve enjoyed it so far and it eases pressure on the team – we know we can produce chances, we just need to stay solid." Wimbledon’s defensive record backs his sentiment: five clean sheets in seven matches, the joint‑best in the Sky Bet EFL. They sit four points behind leaders Bradford heading into the upcoming trip to Cambridge, despite having scored only five goals so far.
Bookmakers, however, still list them among the favourites for relegation this season. Now, back on familiar ground, Steven Sessegnon has the opportunity to help AFC Wimbledon defy those odds, playing just a stone’s throw from the fields where his football journey began. His story illustrates resilience, family ties, and the determination to rebuild a career on home soil.