Steven and Ryan Sessegnon stepped onto the pitch at Craven Cottage together last month, each cradling a daughter in his arms. The twins, who grew up side by side in Fulham's academy and have shared a handful of first‑team appearances, faced each other for the first time in a professional match that night.
It was a moment that felt like a full circle, a reminder of how far they had come and how close their roots still felt. In the three seasons preceding this encounter, a fixture of this nature would have been a perfect excuse for a family reunion. Steven had been based in Manchester for three years while playing for Wigan Athletic, meaning the brothers would have had to travel a long way to meet. Now, however, he is truly back home – not merely in the broader sense of south‑west London, but right back where his football journey began.
During a relaxed interview with Sky Sports on a terrace at the Dons' training complex in New Malden, Steven pointed out the familiar grass beneath his feet. "We used to play academy games literally across this grass," he said, gesturing to the left. He added that he had attended Coombe Boys School, which sits just five minutes up the road from the training ground.
A short six‑minute drive takes you to Fulham's Motspur Park facility, where his nephew Kayden is currently a member of the under‑18 squad. "It feels incredibly wholesome to be back," Steven explained. "Being surrounded by family makes a huge difference.
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 spend all our time comparing leagues, but we catch up on life, fatherhood, responsibility and what the future holds for each of us." Steven's homecoming arrives at a pivotal juncture in his own career.
In his debut season with Wigan in 2023‑24 he featured in 29 matches across all competitions, establishing himself as a reliable presence. The following year was marred by calf and knee problems, and he did not feature after 4 January 2025. When Gary Caldwell took over from Ryan Lowe in February 2025, the new manager placed Steven on the transfer list.
"Things move quickly in football," Steven reflected. "When I was put on the transfer list I was told I wouldn’t play, so 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. It’s part of the business – the manager wanted a different direction, and if everyone can leave happy and find a club where they can thrive, 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 tough," he admitted. "I felt I could contribute, but I didn’t have the trust or belief to play my natural role.
Still, I was given the chance to play football, and that experience taught me a lot. The biggest lesson was professionalism. Even when I wasn’t selected, I had to carry myself and be the best version of myself. I wanted to prove I was still a good trainer and a good player, and that attitude probably kept me at the club longer than they expected." Wigan released him 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. As soon as they said Wimbledon – local – 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 a Carabao Cup tie 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 arrived on 7 September, a 2‑0 victory over Bromley in Sky Bet League One. He has had to be patient, but he understands the rationale behind the gradual integration. "It’s like returning from injury – there’s always a bit of anxiety, but Wimbledon looked after me well in pre‑season and throughout.
The manager communicates clearly, and I’ve been given the chance to ease back in," he said. "I wanted to start and play every game, but coming off the bench a few times has actually helped me regain match sharpness.
The football here is probably the simplest I’ve played, 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 the best out of the squad and myself. I’ve enjoyed it and it takes pressure off the team; we know we can create chances, we just have to stay solid." Wimbledon’s defensive record backs that sentiment – five clean sheets from seven games, the joint‑best in the Sky Bet EFL.
They sit four points behind leaders Bradford United heading into the Saturday trip to Cambridge, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+. Despite having only scored five goals so far, the Dons remain among the bookmakers’ favourites for relegation, a paradox that underscores the unpredictability of the league. Now, firmly planted on familiar soil, Steven Sessegnon has the opportunity to help AFC Wimbledon defy the odds once more, just a stone’s throw from the place where his football story began.
His journey illustrates the resilience required to navigate setbacks, the importance of family support, and the value of professionalism even when the spotlight dims. As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see whether his experience and renewed confidence can translate into a steadying influence for a club striving to stay afloat and perhaps climb higher than anyone expected.