Steven and his twin brother Ryan Sessegnon stepped onto the pitch at Craven Cottage last month, each cradling a daughter, and shared a moment that was both personal and historic. The pair, who grew up side by side in Fulham's youth system and have occasionally lined up together for the first team, faced each other on the field for the first time.
It felt like a full‑circle event, a reminder of how far they have come and how close their roots remain. In the past three seasons, a match like this would have been a perfect excuse for a family reunion.
Steven spent three years in Manchester playing for Wigan, while Ryan continued his career further south. Now, however, Steven is back in his native south‑west London, not merely visiting but truly returning to his home base.
During an 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 training fields that once echoed with his and Ryan's youthful drills.
He then highlighted the short walk to Coombe Boys School, just five minutes away, and the proximity of Fulham's Motspur Park complex, a six‑minute drive that now hosts his nephew Kayden in the U‑18 squad. "It’s really wholesome to be back," Steven added. "Being around family helps massively. 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 to compare on the pitch, but we catch up on life, fatherhood, responsibilities, and what the future holds for our families." Steven's homecoming arrives at a pivotal juncture in his professional journey. In his debut season with Wigan (2023/24) he featured in 29 games across all competitions.
The following year was marred by a calf problem and a knee injury that kept him out after early January 2025. At the start of his third campaign, new manager Gary Caldwell—who replaced Ryan Lowe in February 2025—placed him on the transfer list.
"Things happen fast in football," Steven reflected. "When I was put on the list 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. It’s part of the business.
The club wanted a different direction, and as long as everyone leaves on good terms and finds a place where they can succeed, there’s no problem." A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did select Steven, he was asked to operate as a centre‑back—a position he had never occupied before. "It was very, very tough," he admitted.
"I felt I could contribute, but I didn’t have the confidence of the manager behind me. I was still given a chance to play, but it never clicked. The biggest lesson was professionalism. Even when I wasn’t selected, I kept my standards high, stayed fit, and proved I was still a quality trainer and player.
That attitude probably kept me at the club longer than they intended." In the summer, Wigan released Steven, and on 25 June he signed a two‑year contract with AFC Wimbledon, with an optional extra year. "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’," he recalled. He also appreciated the clarity from manager Johnnie Jackson about his role.
"It wasn’t complicated. I knew I could come in, earn 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 match for Wigan.
The sight of his name on the team sheet still elicited disbelief. His league debut followed on 7 September, a 2‑0 victory over Bromley in Sky Bet League One. He has been patient, understanding that regaining full match fitness takes time.
"It’s like returning from injury; there’s always a little anxiety, but Wimbledon have looked after me well," he said. "The manager communicates clearly, and although I wanted to start every game, coming off the bench a few times has actually helped me get back into rhythm." He described the style of football at Wimbledon as the "simplest" he has ever played, yet also the most effective.
"We create chances, I get the ball high up the pitch, it’s not over‑thought, and that brings the best out of the squad and myself. I enjoy it, and it reduces pressure on the whole team because we know we can produce opportunities as long as we stay solid defensively." Wimbledon’s defensive record backs that claim: five clean sheets in seven matches, the joint‑best in the Sky Bet EFL. They sit four points behind leaders Bradford heading into the 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 chance to help AFC Wimbledon defy those odds, playing just a stone’s throw from where his footballing journey began. His story is one of resilience, family ties, and a renewed commitment to prove that a return home can reignite a career.