🔗 Share this article

It's often challenging to be the brother of a soccer star - particularly when your older sibling is considered one of the best athletes in the world.

Ethan Mbappe, who is 18, is the brother of Real Madrid star Kylian, who is eight years older. It's a significant legacy to try to emerge from.

The two brothers played for Paris St-Germain simultaneously, but when Kylian decided to depart the French giants at the conclusion of his deal and move to Real Madrid last summer, Ethan's agreement was similarly not extended with the team.

Now at Lille and fresh from scoring his maiden strike for the club, Ethan is set to face PSG on Sunday, and will aim to gain attention against the team where he started his career.

Walking in Kylian Mbappe's Path

Goals dominate attention, so considering Ethan's role is a midfielder he is not expected to surpass his brother in that area.

But the youngster is regarded as an exciting talent in his own capacity.

His mindset was commended as he emerged from the PSG youth system, seeming to cope well with the pressure that came with the Mbappe surname.

"He is a well-rounded, well-educated kid who is courteous even if he is obviously in the shadow of his brother, which is challenging for him. But I find him calm and with a strong character. I find that he handles this expectation quite effectively."

Recognized for his soccer IQ, composure on the ball and passing ability, Ethan impressed the staff at PSG and was awarded his first league appearance at just 16, coming on as a substitute late in a 3-1 win against Metz, with Kylian having scored two of the goals.

"Ethan is a very interesting player who can play in several positions," PSG boss Luis Enrique commented after that game. "I am sure he will feature more. He has a prestigious surname, which is challenging to match."

In total, he completed five appearances for PSG before departing at the conclusion of his agreement last summer, although there was certain debate around his exit.

Kylian has previously implied that Ethan failing to receive a renewed deal at PSG was connected with his decision to leave and join Real Madrid, and was willing to remain at the Paris club if it meant his brother received a new deal there as well.

"It's the thing that affected me the most," Kylian said. "He [Ethan], didn't request anything. His dream club was PSG. What Real meant to me, his childhood dream, was PSG."

Creating His Distinct Career Path

Ethan's debut campaign at Lille was hampered by injuries, which prevented the opportunity to compete against his brother in a Champions League match last September.

"My aspiration of facing my brother in the Champions League is distant, but it has not disappeared," Ethan said on online platforms after he was ruled out of that match.

Ethan made just a handful of senior appearances last season but now fully fit, he will hope to make his mark as a first-team regular.

He has recently reached a significant milestone by netting his first goal for Lille earlier this month - an stoppage-time volley to ensure a 2-1 win against Toulouse.

That dramatic winner briefly put Lille at the summit of Ligue 1 and although they have since dropped to sixth, Ethan continues to participate in the first team, having made two further league appearances.

With Lille participating in the Europa League this season, there will be little chance for Ethan to realise his dream of playing against his brother in a competitive match just yet, but that provides him the chance to concentrate on making a name for himself in his own capacity.