Steven and Ryan Sessegnon stepped onto the pitch at Craven Cottage side by side last month, each cradling a daughter in his arms. The twins, who grew up together in Fulham's academy and have shared a handful of first‑team appearances, faced each other for the first time that evening – a moment that felt like a full‑circle reunion. In previous seasons, a match like this would have simply been a convenient family gathering. Steven had spent the last three years living in Manchester while plying his trade for Wigan Athletic, so a fixture against his brother would have meant a quick trip back to south‑west London.
Now, however, he is genuinely back home – not just geographically, but emotionally and socially. Speaking to Sky Sports from a terrace at the Dons’ training complex in New Malden, Steven pointed out the familiar surroundings.
"We used to play academy games literally across this grass," he said, gesturing to the field to his left. He added that he had attended Coombe Boys School, a short five‑minute walk from his current base. Just six minutes away lies Fulham’s Motspur Park training ground, where his nephew Kayden is currently a member of the under‑18 squad.
"It’s really wholesome to be back," Steven remarked. "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 a lot of direct comparison, but we catch up on life, fatherhood, providing for our families and what the future might hold." Steven’s homecoming arrives at a pivotal juncture in his professional life. 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 injuries, and he did not feature after 4 January 2025. At the start of his third campaign, new manager Gary Caldwell – who had replaced Ryan Lowe in February 2025 – placed him on the transfer list.
"Things move quickly in football," Steven explained. "When I was listed 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 think I performed well. It’s part of the game.
The manager wanted a different direction, and as long as everyone leaves happy and finds a club where they can succeed, there’s no problem." A permanent move never materialised, and when Caldwell did select him, 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 to really thrive. I was still given a chance to play, but it never clicked." He reflected on the personal lessons learned during that period.
"The biggest thing was professionalism. Even in the darkest moments when I wasn’t selected, I had to carry myself and be the best version of myself.
I felt I owed it to myself to prove I was still a quality trainer and player, and that mindset probably kept me at the club longer than they intended." Wigan released him in the summer, and on 25 June Steven signed a two‑year deal 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. "It also mattered where I would play and how Johnnie Jackson – the manager – envisioned my role.
It wasn’t complicated; I knew if I got minutes I could 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 outing for Wigan. He still looks a little stunned when he thinks about that gap. His league debut followed on 7 September, a 2‑0 Sky Bet League One victory over Bromley. He has been patient, accepting a substitute role while he regains full match fitness.
"It’s like returning from injury; there’s always a bit of anxiety, but Wimbledon have looked after me well," he said. "The manager communicates clearly and has given me the support I need.
I wanted to start and play every game, but coming off the bench a few times has actually helped me reacquaint myself with the tempo of football again." 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, it’s not over‑thought and that brings out the best in the squad and in me. I’ve enjoyed it and it relieves pressure on the team – we know we can generate opportunities, we just need 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 broadcast live on Sky Sports+.
Despite having only scored five goals, the Dons remain among the bookmakers’ favourites for relegation, a paradox that adds intrigue to their campaign. Now, firmly planted back on familiar soil, Steven Sessegnon has the chance to help AFC Wimbledon defy expectations once more, just a stone’s throw from where his football journey began. His story is one of resilience, family ties, and the relentless pursuit of a fresh start in a place that feels like home.