Steven and his younger brother Ryan Sessegnon stepped onto the pitch at Craven Cottage last month, each cradling a daughter in his arms. The twins, who rose through Fulham's youth system side‑by‑side and have occasionally shared first‑team duties, faced each other for the first time in a competitive match that night. It was a moment steeped in symbolism – a full‑circle experience that highlighted how far they had both travelled. In previous seasons, such a fixture would have been a perfect excuse for a family reunion.
Steven had spent three years in Manchester, plying his trade for Wigan Athletic, while Ryan was establishing himself elsewhere. Now, however, Steven has truly come back home – not merely to the south‑west London region, but to the neighbourhoods and streets that shaped his childhood.
During a relaxed interview with Sky Sports on a terrace at AFC Wimbledon’s training complex in New Malden, Steven pointed out the familiar grass where he once played academy games. "We used to line up on this very pitch," he said, gesturing to the left.
"I attended Coombe Boys School, just five minutes up the road," he added, recalling the short walk to his old school. The distance to Fulham’s Motspur Park facility is only six minutes by car, and his nephew Kayden now trains with the club’s U‑18 side, adding another family link to the area. "Being back feels incredibly wholesome," Steven explained. "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 we don’t compare our leagues, but we catch up about life, fatherhood, responsibility and what the future holds for each of us." Steven’s homecoming arrives at a pivotal juncture in his professional journey. 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 make an appearance after 4 January 2025.
At the start of his third campaign, new manager Gary Caldwell – who had replaced Ryan Lowe in February 2025 – placed Steven on the transfer list. "Things move quickly in football," he 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 game because of injuries and lack of options. I thought I performed well." He accepted the situation with professionalism. "The club wanted a different direction, and as long as everyone leaves happy and finds a team where they can succeed, there’s no problem," Steven said.
A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did select him, he was deployed as a centre‑back – a position he had never occupied before. "It was very, very tough," he admitted.
"I wanted to contribute, but I didn’t feel the trust or belief that I needed. I was still given a chance to play, but it never clicked. The only obstacle was me; I learned a lot from that experience that I’ll carry forward." He highlighted the importance of professionalism during the low points.
"Even when I was told I wasn’t part of the plans, I kept my head up and acted as the best version of myself. I felt I owed it to myself to prove I was still a good trainer and player, which I think helped me stay longer than they expected." In the summer, Wigan released Steven and he signed a two‑year contract – with an optional additional year – with AFC Wimbledon on 25 June.
"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’," he recalled. "The role the manager, Johnnie Jackson, outlined was clear. I knew I could get minutes and showcase my ability." 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 amazement 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.
He has been patient, understanding the need to rebuild fitness and confidence after a long lay‑off. "It’s like recovering from injury – there’s anxiety about getting back, but the pre‑season and the club have looked after me well. The manager communicates clearly and has given me the support I need," he said.
"I wanted to start and play every game, but coming off the bench a few times has actually helped me regain my rhythm." He praised the simplicity and effectiveness of the football at Wimbledon. "It’s probably the simplest style I’ve played, yet the most effective. We create chances, I get the ball high up the pitch, and it isn’t over‑thought. That brings out the best in the squad and in me.
I’ve enjoyed it so far and it eases pressure on everyone – we know we can create opportunities, we just need to stay solid." Wimbledon’s defensive record underlines that solidity. They have kept five clean sheets in seven matches, the joint‑best in the Sky Bet EFL. Currently four points behind leaders Bradford United ahead of their upcoming trip to Cambridge – a game that will be televised on Sky Sports+ – they have scored just five goals, yet remain among the bookmakers’ favourites for relegation.
Back on familiar ground, Steven Sessegnon now has the platform to help AFC Wimbledon defy expectations, playing just a stone’s throw from where his footballing journey began. His story is one of resilience, family ties, and a renewed determination to make an impact at a club that feels like home.