Steven and Ryan Sessegnon made a memorable appearance together at Craven Cottage last month, each cradling their own daughters as they stepped onto the pitch side by side. The pair had risen through Fulham's youth system together and had occasionally shared first‑team duties, but that evening marked the first time the twins faced each other as opponents on the field. The occasion felt like a full‑circle moment for the family. In previous seasons, a match of this nature would have been a perfect excuse for a family reunion, especially since Steven had spent the previous three years in Manchester playing for Wigan Athletic.
Now, however, he has returned to his roots – not merely to the south‑west London area, but to the very neighbourhood where his football journey began. Speaking to Sky Sports from the terrace of the Dons' training complex in New Malden, Steven pointed out the familiar surroundings. "We used to play academy games literally across this grass," he said, gesturing to the pitch that had once been a training ground for Fulham's youngsters.
He then indicated a nearby school, "I spent time at Coombe Boys School, which is just five minutes up the road." A short drive away lies Fulham's Motspur Park facility, where his nephew Kayden is currently a member of the U‑18 squad. "Being back feels incredibly wholesome," Steven added. "Having my older brothers, nieces, nephews, and seeing Ryan a few times a week makes a huge difference.
We play at different levels, so we don't compare league positions, but we catch up on life, fatherhood, responsibilities, and what the future holds for each of us." Steven's homecoming arrives at a pivotal juncture in his career. In his debut season with Wigan in 2023/24 he featured in 29 matches across all competitions. The following year was marred by a calf problem and a knee injury that kept him out of action after early January 2025.
At the start of his third campaign, new manager Gary Caldwell – who had taken over from Ryan Lowe in February 2025 – placed him on the transfer list. "Things move quickly in football," Steven reflected. "When I was listed, I was told I wouldn't feature and I missed the pre‑season tour. Yet I ended up starting the first league game because of injuries and lack of options, and I think I performed well." He accepted the situation with professionalism.
"The club wanted a different direction, and as long as everyone walks away satisfied and can find a team where they can thrive, there's no problem," he said. A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did select him, Steven was deployed at centre‑back – a position he had never occupied before. "It was very tough.
I felt I could contribute, but I didn't have the confidence of the manager behind me," he admitted. "I didn't have the backing to play my natural role, yet I was still given a chance to play. It simply didn't click." He emphasized that the biggest lesson was professionalism.
"Even during the darkest periods when I was told I wasn't part of the plans, I had to carry myself as the best version of a player and a person. I owed it to myself to prove I was still a quality trainer and player, and that mindset probably kept me at the club longer than they intended." After being released by the Latics in the summer, Steven signed a two‑year deal – with an optional additional year – with AFC Wimbledon on June 25. "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 sort it out’," he recalled. The decision was also influenced by the role he would play under manager Johnnie Jackson.
"It wasn't complicated. I knew I could get minutes and showcase my ability," Steven explained.
His first appearance for the Dons came on August 8 in the Carabao Cup against Newport, roughly six months after his last competitive outing for Wigan. He expressed genuine disbelief at how quickly things had turned around.
His league debut followed on September 7, a 2‑0 victory over Bromley in Sky Bet League One. Although he has had to be patient, he understands the reasoning behind his gradual integration. "Injuries always bring a bit of anxiety about returning, but the pre‑season and the club have taken great care of me. The manager communicates well and looks after me," Steven said.
"I wanted to start and play every game, but coming off the bench a few times has actually helped me regain match sharpness." He described the style of football at Wimbledon as the simplest he has ever played, yet 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, and it reduces pressure on everyone because we know we can generate opportunities as long as we stay solid defensively." Wimbledon’s defensive record backs his words: five clean sheets in seven matches, the joint‑best in the Sky Bet EFL at that stage. The team sits four points behind league leaders Bradford heading into their upcoming away fixture at Cambridge, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+.
Despite scoring only five goals so far, the Dons remain among the bookmakers’ favourites for relegation, a paradox that underscores the unpredictable nature of the league. Now, back on familiar ground, Steven Sessegnon has the opportunity to help AFC Wimbledon defy expectations once more, playing just a stone’s throw from the place where his footballing story first unfolded. His journey illustrates resilience, adaptability, and the enduring pull of home, offering a compelling narrative for fans and a hopeful blueprint for his own future.