Steven and Ryan Sessegnon made a memorable exit at Craven Cottage last month, each cradling their daughters as they walked off the pitch side‑by‑side. The twins, who grew up together in Fulham’s academy and shared a handful of first‑team appearances, faced each other on the field for the very first time that evening – a moment that felt like a full circle in their footballing journeys. In previous seasons, a fixture like this would have been a perfect excuse for a family reunion.
Steven had been based in Manchester for three years while plying his trade at Wigan, meaning the brothers were often separated by distance. Now, however, Steven has returned not just to south‑west London but to his true home, a place he describes as "properly back home." Speaking to Sky Sports from a terrace at the Dons’ training ground in New Malden, Steven pointed out the familiar grass where he once played academy matches.
"We used to line up for youth games literally on this very turf," he said, gesturing to the left. "I spent time at Coombe Boys School, which is just five minutes away, and Fulham’s Motspur Park training complex is only a six‑minute drive.
My nephew Kayden now trains with the U‑18s there." "It’s incredibly wholesome to be back," Steven added. "Being surrounded by 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, providing for our families, and what the future holds." His homecoming arrives at a pivotal juncture in his career. In his debut season with Wigan (2023/24) he featured in 29 matches across all competitions. The following year was marred by calf and knee injuries, and he did not feature after 4 January 2025.
When Gary Caldwell took over from Ryan Lowe in February 2025, he placed Steven on the transfer list. "Things move quickly in football," Steven reflected. "When I was listed, I was told I wouldn’t play and I missed the pre‑season trip.
Yet I ended up starting the first league game because of injuries and squad shortages, and I felt I performed well. It’s part of the business. The manager wanted a different direction, but as long as everyone walks away happy and finds a club where they can thrive, there’s no problem." A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did give him a chance, he was deployed at centre‑back – a position Steven had never occupied before. "It was very, very tough," he admitted.
"I wanted to contribute, but I didn’t have the confidence of the coaching staff behind me. I felt I lacked the trust to play in my natural role, yet I was still given a chance to play. It simply didn’t click." He stressed that the difficulty was internal rather than external. "There was no issue with anyone else, just myself.
I learned a lot – especially about professionalism. Even when I was sidelined and told I wasn’t part of the plans, I kept my head high and behaved as the best professional I could.
I felt I owed it to myself to prove I was still a quality trainer and player, and that attitude 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 AFC Wimbledon on 25 June, 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’.
The role the manager, Johnnie Jackson, outlined was clear. I knew I could join, earn minutes, and showcase my ability," he recalled.
His first appearance for the Dons came 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. Although he has had to be patient, he understands the rationale behind the gradual integration. "Injuries make you anxious to get back, 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 admits that starting from the bench has actually helped him regain match sharpness.
"Coming off the bench a few times has probably been beneficial – it’s allowed me to get a feel for the game again without the pressure of a full ninety minutes. The football here is perhaps the simplest 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, and it relieves pressure on the whole team because we know we can create opportunities as long as we stay solid defensively." Wimbledon’s defensive record backs that claim: five clean sheets from seven games, the joint‑best in the Sky Bet EFL. They sit 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. Now, back on familiar soil, Steven Sessegnon has a unique chance to help AFC Wimbledon defy those odds, playing just a stone’s throw from where his footballing story began. His journey illustrates resilience, adaptability, and the comfort of returning home, both on and off the pitch.