Steven and his younger brother Ryan Sessegnon stepped onto the pitch at Craven Cottage side by side last month, each cradling a daughter in his arms. The twins, who grew up together in Fulham's academy and shared a handful of first‑team appearances for the club, faced each other on the field for the very first time. It was a poignant, full‑circle moment for the family. In previous seasons, a match like this would have been a perfect excuse for a family reunion.

Steven had spent three years in Manchester playing for Wigan, while Ryan continued his career in London. Now, however, Steven is back in his native south‑west London, not just geographically but emotionally anchored to his roots. Speaking to Sky Sports on a terrace at the Dons' training ground in New Malden, Steven pointed out the familiar surroundings.

"We used to play academy games literally across this grass," he said, gesturing to the left. "I went to Coombe Boys School, which is only five minutes away, and Fulham's Motspur Park training complex is a six‑minute drive from here. My nephew Kayden is now part of the U‑18 squad at Motspur Park, so being close to family feels really wholesome." He added, "I get to see my older brothers, my nieces, my nephews, and I see Ryan a few times a week.

We play at different levels, so we don't compare our leagues, but we catch up on life, fatherhood, providing for our families, and what the future holds." 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 calf and knee injuries, and he did not play after 4 January 2025.

At the start of his third campaign, new manager Gary Caldwell—who had replaced Ryan Lowe in February 2025—placed him on the transfer list. "Things move quickly in football," Steven explained.

"When I was put on the transfer list I was told I wouldn't feature and I missed the pre‑season tour, yet I ended up starting the first game of the season because of injuries and squad shortages. I thought I performed well." He reflected on the professionalism required during that turbulent period: "The club wanted to go in a different direction, and that's part of the business. As long as everyone can leave happy and find a club where they can succeed, there’s no problem." A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did give him a chance, Steven was deployed at centre‑back—a position he had never occupied before.

"It was very, very tough," he admitted. "I felt I could contribute, but I lacked the trust to play in my natural role. Still, I was given a chance to play, and I learned a lot.

The biggest lesson was professionalism. Even when I wasn’t selected, I kept my standards high and proved I was still a good trainer and player. That attitude probably kept me at the club longer than they expected." Wigan released Steven 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 Wimbledon called.

The fact that it was a local club made me say ‘let’s sort it out’. The role they offered and Johnnie Jackson’s plans suited me perfectly. I knew if I got minutes I could showcase my ability," he recalled.

Steven made his first appearance for the Dons on 8 August in a Carabao Cup tie 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 7 September, a 2‑0 victory over Bromley in Sky Bet League One.

Although he has had to be patient for a regular starting berth, he understands the rationale. "It feels a bit like returning from injury—there’s a nervous edge—but the pre‑season and the club have looked after me well.

The manager communicates clearly and has given me opportunities. Starting from the bench a few times has actually helped me regain match sharpness," Steven said.

He praised the style of football at Wimbledon as the simplest yet most effective 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.

The pressure is shared; we know we can produce opportunities if we stay solid." Wimbledon’s defensive record backs his comments: five clean sheets in seven games, the joint‑best in the Sky Bet EFL. The team sits four points behind leaders Bradford ahead of their upcoming trip to Cambridge, despite having scored only five goals so far. Bookmakers, however, still list them among the favourites for relegation this season. Back on familiar soil, Steven now has the platform to help AFC Wimbledon defy the odds, playing just a short distance from where his football journey began.

His experience, resilience, and renewed confidence could prove decisive as the Dons push for a stronger finish in League One.