Steven and his twin brother Ryan Sessegnon made a memorable appearance at Craven Cottage last month, each cradling a daughter as they walked out side by side. The pair had risen through Fulham's youth system together and had shared the first‑team stage on a few occasions, but that evening marked a historic first: the twins faced each other as opponents. The moment felt like a full‑circle event, a poignant reminder of how far both have traveled since their early days on the same academy pitches. In previous seasons, such a fixture would have been a perfect excuse for a family reunion.
Steven had spent the last three years in Manchester, plying his trade for Wigan Athletic, while Ryan was establishing himself in the Premier League. Now, however, Steven has returned to his roots—not merely to south‑west London, but to the very neighbourhood that nurtured his footballing dreams. Speaking to Sky Sports from 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 where Coombe Boys School sits just five minutes away.
He also mentioned Fulham's Motspur Park facility, a six‑minute drive from his new home, where his nephew Kayden is currently a member of the under‑18 squad. "It’s really wholesome to be back," Steven added. "Being close to family—my older brothers, nieces, nephews, and seeing Ryan a few times a week—makes a huge difference." The brothers now compete at different levels, so there is little direct rivalry on the pitch, but they keep in touch about life off the field: fatherhood, providing for their families, and planning for the future. Steven’s homecoming coincides with a pivotal juncture in his own career.
After a promising debut season with Wigan in 2023/24, where he featured in 29 matches across all competitions, his second year was marred by calf and knee injuries that sidelined him from early January 2025. When Gary Caldwell took over as manager in February 2025, Steven found himself placed on the transfer list. "Things happen fast in football," Steven reflected.
"I was told I wouldn’t play and missed the pre‑season trip, yet I ended up starting the first game of the season because of injuries and lack of options. I thought I performed well, but the club wanted to go in a different direction. If everyone can leave happy and find a club where they can thrive, there’s no problem with that." A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did give Steven a chance, he was deployed at centre‑back—a position he had never occupied before. "It was very tough," Steven admitted.
"I felt I could contribute, but I didn’t have the confidence of the manager or the trust of the squad. I was still given a chance to play, but it never clicked." He emphasized that the experience taught him valuable lessons, particularly about professionalism.
"Even when I wasn’t selected, I tried to carry myself as the best possible person. I felt I owed it to myself to prove I was still a good trainer and a good player.
That attitude probably kept me at the club longer than they intended." After being released by Wigan in the summer, Steven signed a two‑year deal with AFC Wimbledon on June 25, with an option for a further twelve months. He recalled the moment of the phone call: "I was about to go on holiday with my family when Wimbledon rang.
As soon as I heard it was a local club, I said ‘let’s get it sorted.’ The role they offered and the way manager Johnnie Jackson explained it made sense. I knew I could get minutes and show my ability." Steven’s 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 he was back on the pitch.
His league debut followed on September 7, a 2‑0 victory over Bromley in Sky Bet League One. Though he has mostly come off the bench, he appreciates the gradual re‑introduction: "Injuries make you anxious, but Wimbledon have looked after me well. The manager communicates clearly, and the environment is supportive." He described the style of play at Wimbledon as the simplest yet most effective of his career. "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. It takes pressure off everyone because we know we can produce opportunities if we stay solid." Wimbledon’s defensive record backs his words: 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 those odds, playing just a stone’s throw from the fields where his football journey began. His story illustrates the resilience required to navigate setbacks, the importance of family support, and the satisfaction of returning home to rebuild a career on solid foundations.