Steven and his twin brother Ryan Sessegnon stepped onto the pitch at Craven Cottage side by side last month, each cradling a daughter in his arms. The two had risen through Fulham’s youth system together and had even shared a few first‑team appearances, but that evening marked the first time they faced each other as opponents. The occasion felt like a full‑circle moment for the family. In previous seasons, a match like this would have been a perfect excuse for a reunion, as Steven spent three years in Manchester playing for Wigan Athletic while Ryan continued his career elsewhere.
Now, however, Steven is truly back in his native south‑west London, not merely visiting but re‑establishing his roots. During a relaxed interview with 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 field. He then highlighted the proximity of his old school, Coombe Boys, which sits just five minutes away, and noted that Fulham’s Motspur Park training complex is a short six‑minute drive, where his nephew Kayden currently features in the U‑18 side.
“It’s really wholesome to be back,” Steven smiled. “Being around family helps a lot. I get to see my older brothers, my nieces and nephews, and I see Ryan a few times a week.
We play at different levels, so there isn’t much direct competition, but we catch up about life, fatherhood, responsibilities and what the future holds for us.” Steven’s homecoming comes at a pivotal juncture in his professional journey. In his debut season with Wigan in 2023‑24 he logged 29 appearances across all competitions. The following year was marred by calf and knee problems, and he did not feature after 4 January 2025.
At the start of the 2025‑26 campaign, new manager Gary Caldwell—who had replaced Ryan Lowe in February 2025—placed Steven on the transfer list. “Things move quickly in football,” Steven reflected.
“When I was told I was on the transfer list I missed the pre‑season trip, but injuries to others gave me a start in the first game and I felt I performed well. It’s part of the business. If a club wants to head in a different direction, that’s fine as long as everyone can move on and find a place where they can succeed.” 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 tough,” he admitted.
“I wanted to contribute, but I didn’t have the confidence of the manager behind me. I learned a lot, especially about 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 I got the call. As soon as they said Wimbledon – local – I said ‘let’s sort it out’,” he recalled.
“The role the manager Johnnie Jackson described was clear. I knew I could get minutes and show what I can do.” Steven made his first appearance for the Dons on 8 August in the Carabao Cup against Newport, roughly six months after his last competitive match for Wigan.
He described the feeling as “genuine disbelief”. His league debut arrived on 7 September, a 2‑0 victory over Bromley in Sky Bet League One. Though he has mostly come off the bench, he appreciates the gradual reintegration. “It feels a bit like recovering from injuries – there’s anxiety, but the pre‑season and the club have looked after me well.
The manager communicates clearly and gives me the chance to prove myself,” he said. “I wanted to start and play every game, but those substitute appearances have helped me regain match sharpness.” Steven praised the simplicity and effectiveness of Wimbledon’s style of play. “It’s probably the simplest football I’ve played, but it’s 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 enjoy it and it eases pressure on the whole team – we know we can create chances; we just need to stay solid.” 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 league leaders Bradford ahead of the Saturday trip to Cambridge, a match that will be streamed on Sky Sports+.
Despite having scored only five goals so far, the Dons remain among the bookmakers’ favourites for relegation, a paradox that underscores the competitive nature of League One. Now, firmly planted back on familiar soil, Steven Sessegnon has a unique opportunity to help AFC Wimbledon defy expectations.
With his experience, renewed confidence and the support of his family close by, he aims to be a key figure in the club’s push to climb the table, all while staying just a stone’s throw from where his footballing story began.