Steven and his twin brother Ryan Sessegnon stepped onto the pitch at Craven Cottage together last month, each cradling a daughter in his arms. The pair had risen through Fulham's youth system side by side and had shared a handful of first‑team appearances for the London club, but that evening marked the first time they faced each other as opponents. The encounter felt like a full‑circle moment for the brothers.
In the three seasons that preceded it, a match like this would have been a perfect excuse for a family get‑together, as Steven had been based in Manchester for three years while playing for Wigan Athletic. Now, however, he is truly back in his native south‑west London, not merely visiting but re‑establishing his roots.
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 on this very grass,” he said, gesturing to the left. “I went to Coombe Boys School, which is only five minutes away.” He added that Fulham’s Motspur Park facilities are a six‑minute drive from his home, where his nephew Kayden is currently a member of the U‑18 squad.
“It’s incredibly wholesome to be back,” Steven smiled. “Being close to family makes a huge difference. I get to see my older brothers, my nieces and nephews, and I see Ryan a few times each week.” Although the twins now compete at different levels – Steven in League One with AFC Wimbledon and Ryan in the Premier League with Brentford – they still catch up on life beyond football. “We talk about being dads, providers, men in our families and what the future holds,” Steven explained.
“We’re not in the same league, so there isn’t a lot of on‑field comparison, but the off‑field conversation is priceless.” Steven’s homecoming arrives at 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 onward. The following summer, new manager Gary Caldwell – who had taken over from Ryan Lowe in February 2025 – placed Steven on the transfer list.
“The football world moves quickly,” Steven reflected. “When I was told I was on the transfer list, I was told I wouldn’t feature in pre‑season, yet I ended up starting the first league game because of injuries and lack of options.
I thought I performed well.” He accepted the reality of the situation with professionalism. “If the club wants to go in a different direction, that’s fine. As long as everyone can leave happy and find a place where they can thrive, there’s no problem.” A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did give him a chance, Steven was deployed at 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 trust or belief from the coaching staff to excel in that role.” Nevertheless, he used the experience as a learning curve. “The biggest lesson was professionalism.
Even when I wasn’t selected, I kept my head up, trained hard and proved I was still a quality player. That attitude probably kept me at the club longer than they initially intended.” Wigan released Steven in the summer, and on 25 June he signed a two‑year contract 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,” he recalled. “When they said Wimbledon – a local club – I said, ‘let’s sort it out.’ It was also about the role the manager, Johnnie Jackson, envisioned for me.
I knew if I got minutes, I could showcase my ability.” His first appearance for the Dons came on 8 August in the Carabao Cup against Newport, almost six months after his last competitive outing for Wigan. The sight of his name on the team sheet still elicits disbelief. His league debut arrived on 7 September, a 2‑0 victory over Bromley in Sky Bet League One.
Although he has had to be patient, he understands the rationale behind his gradual integration. “It feels a bit like recovering from injury – there’s a nervous energy about getting back into the rhythm,” Steven said. “The pre‑season was good, and the staff at Wimbledon have looked after me exceptionally well.
The manager communicates clearly and gives me the confidence I need.” He added that starting on the bench has actually helped him reacclimate to the pace of the game. “It’s probably the simplest football I’ve played in my career, but it’s also 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 whole squad and in me.
I’ve enjoyed it so far and it reduces pressure on the team – we know we can create opportunities, we just have to stay solid.” Wimbledon’s defensive record backs up Steven’s assessment. The Dons have kept five clean sheets in seven league matches, the joint‑best record in the Sky Bet EFL. They sit four points behind leaders Bradford City heading into the Saturday fixture at Cambridge, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+.
Despite having scored only five goals so far, Wimbledon remain among the bookmakers’ favourites for relegation, a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. Back on familiar soil, Steven Sessegnon now has the platform to help AFC Wimbledon punch above their weight.
The club’s home ground sits just a stone’s throw from the neighbourhood where his football journey began, offering a symbolic full‑circle narrative that could inspire both player and supporters alike. Fans can catch the upcoming Cambridge versus AFC Wimbledon clash live on Sky Sports+ this Saturday, kick‑off at 3 pm.
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