Steven and his twin brother Ryan Sessegnon made a memorable exit from Craven Cottage last month, each carrying their own daughter as they walked off the pitch together. The pair had risen through Fulham's youth system side by side and, on a few occasions, shared the first‑team spotlight. Yet that evening marked a historic first: the twins 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 where his roots lie – not merely in south‑west London, but in the neighbourhood that shaped him. Speaking to 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 on this very grass,” he recalled, gesturing to the left. “I went to Coombe Boys School, which is just five minutes up the road.” He added that Fulham’s Motspur Park facility is only a short six‑minute drive away, where his nephew Kayden is currently a member of the U‑18 squad.
“It feels incredibly wholesome to be back,” Steven said. “Being close to family makes a massive difference. I get to see my older brothers, my nieces, my nephews, and I catch up with Ryan a few times each week.” He noted that, although they now compete at different levels, the brothers can still discuss life as fathers, providers, and men within their families, as well as share thoughts about what lies ahead.
Steven’s homecoming arrives at a pivotal juncture in his professional journey. 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 problems, and he did not play after 4 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 move quickly in football,” Steven reflected. “When I was listed, I was told I wouldn’t feature and I missed the pre‑season trip.
Yet I ended up starting the first game of the season because of injuries and lack of options, and I thought I performed well.” He accepted the reality of managerial changes, adding, “If everyone can walk away satisfied and find a club where they can succeed, there’s no problem.” A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did give him a chance, Steven was deployed as a centre‑back – a position he had never occupied before. “It was very, very tough,” he admitted. “I wanted to help the team, but I didn’t have the confidence or the trust of the coach in that role.” He emphasized that the difficulty lay with himself rather than anyone else, and that the experience taught him valuable lessons about professionalism and perseverance. “The biggest takeaway was professionalism,” he said.
“Even during the darkest periods, when I was told I wasn’t part of the plans, I had to carry myself and be the best version of a player and a person.” He believed his attitude helped him stay longer at the club than perhaps the management intended, and that those lessons would serve him for the rest of his career. In the summer, Wigan released Steven, and on 25 June he signed a two‑year contract with AFC Wimbledon, with an option for an additional twelve months. “I was about to go on holiday with my family when I got the call,” he recalled.
“When they said Wimbledon – a local club – I said ‘let’s sort it out right away.’” He highlighted that the role offered by manager Johnnie Jackson suited him, and he was confident that regular minutes would allow him to demonstrate his abilities. Steven’s 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 reasoning behind his gradual integration. “It’s similar to returning from injury – there’s a bit of anxiety, but the pre‑season and the club have looked after me well,” he said.
“The manager communicates clearly, and while I wanted to start every game, coming off the bench a few times has actually helped me regain my match sharpness.” He described Wimbledon’s style as the simplest yet most effective football he has ever played. “We create chances, I get the ball high up the pitch, and it isn’t over‑thought. It brings out the best in the whole squad and in me.
I enjoy it, and it relieves pressure on the team because we know we can produce opportunities as long as we stay solid.” Wimbledon’s defensive record supports his assessment: five clean sheets in seven matches, the joint‑best in the Sky Bet EFL. The Dons sit four points behind leaders Bradford heading into the Saturday trip to Cambridge, a fixture broadcast on Sky Sports+. Despite having scored only five goals so far, they remain among the bookmakers’ favourites for relegation this season.
Now, back on familiar ground, Steven Sessegnon has a real chance to help AFC Wimbledon punch above its weight, playing just a stone’s throw from where his footballing journey began. His story illustrates the resilience required to bounce back from setbacks, the importance of family support, and the renewed optimism that comes with a fresh start at a club that values his experience and ambition.