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

The younger Mbappe, aged 18, is the sibling of Real Madrid star Kylian, who is eight years older. It's a substantial legacy to break free from.

The two brothers played for Paris St-Germain simultaneously, but when Kylian opted to leave the Parisian club at the end of his contract and join Real Madrid last summer, Ethan's agreement was similarly not extended at the club.

Now at Lille and fresh from scoring his first goal for the club, Ethan is scheduled to face PSG on Sunday, and will hope to make the headlines against the team where he started his career.

Following in Kylian Mbappe's Path

Goals grab the headlines, so given Ethan's position is a midfielder he is unlikely to surpass his brother in that department.

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

His mentality was praised as he emerged from the PSG youth system, appearing to handle effectively with the pressure that came with being an Mbappe.

"He is a balanced, well-educated kid who is respectful even if he is obviously in the shadow of his brother, which is not easy for him. But I find him composed and with a strong character. I find that he manages this pressure quite effectively."

Recognized for his football intelligence, composure on the ball and distribution skills, Ethan impressed the staff at PSG and was awarded his league debut at just 16, entering as a substitute late in a 3-1 win against Metz, with Kylian having scored two of the goals.

"Ethan is a quite promising player who can play in several positions," PSG boss Luis Enrique commented after that game. "I am sure he will play again. He has a famous last name, which is difficult to live up to."

Overall, he made five appearances for PSG before leaving at the end of his contract last summer, although there was certain debate around his departure.

Kylian has earlier suggested that Ethan failing to receive a new contract at PSG was linked to his decision to leave and move to Real Madrid, and was willing to instead stay at the Paris club if it meant his brother received a contract extension there also.

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

Forging His Own Career Path

Ethan's first season at Lille was hampered by injuries, which prevented the opportunity to face his brother in a European match last September.

"My dream 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 first-team appearances last season but now fully fit, he will aim to make his mark as a first-team regular.

He has already achieved a significant milestone by netting his initial strike for Lille earlier this month - an stoppage-time volley to ensure a 2-1 win against Toulouse.

That dramatic winner temporarily placed Lille at the summit of Ligue 1 and although they have since dropped to sixth, Ethan remains participate in the first team, having completed two further league appearances.

With Lille participating in the Europa League this season, there will be little chance for Ethan to realise his ambition of facing his brother in a official game at present, but that provides him the chance to focus on making a name for himself in his own right.