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It's often challenging to be the brother of a professional footballer - particularly when your brother happens to be among the top athletes in the world.

The younger Mbappe, aged 18, is the brother of Real Madrid star Kylian, who is almost a decade older. This represents a substantial shadow to step out of.

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

Now at Lille and recently scoring his maiden strike for the club, Ethan is set to come up against PSG on Sunday, and will hope to gain attention against the team where he began his professional journey.

Walking in Kylian Mbappe's Path

Goals dominate attention, so given Ethan's position is in midfield he is not expected to outshine his brother in that department.

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 weight of expectation that came with being an Mbappe.

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

Recognized for his football intelligence, calmness on the ball and distribution skills, Ethan made an impact on the coaches at PSG and was given his first league appearance at just 16, entering as a late substitute in a 3-1 win against Metz, with Kylian having scored two of the goals.

"Ethan is a quite promising player who can operate in several positions," PSG boss Luis Enrique said after that game. "I am sure he will play again. He has a prestigious surname, which is challenging to match."

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

Kylian has previously implied that Ethan not getting a renewed deal at PSG was linked to his decision to leave and move to Real Madrid, and was prepared to instead stay at the French giants if it meant his brother received a new deal there as well.

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

Forging His Own Career Path

Ethan's debut campaign at Lille was hampered by injuries, which denied him the chance to face his brother in a European match last September.

"My dream of playing against my brother in the Champions League is far off, but it has not vanished," Ethan said on online platforms after he was ruled out of that match.

Ethan managed just a handful of first-team appearances last season but now free of injury, he will aim to make his mark as a consistent starter.

He has recently reached a significant milestone by scoring his first goal for Lille recently - an injury-time volley to ensure a 2-1 win against Toulouse.

That dramatic winner temporarily placed Lille top of Ligue 1 and although they have since dropped to sixth, Ethan continues to be involved in the first team, having made two additional league appearances.

With Lille participating in the Europa League this season, there will be little chance for Ethan to fulfill his dream of facing his brother in a official game at present, but that leaves him with the chance to focus on building a reputation for himself in his own capacity.