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It can be challenging being the younger sibling of a soccer star - especially when your brother happens to be one of the best players in the world.

The younger Mbappe, aged 18, is the brother of Real Madrid star Kylian, who is eight years older. It's a substantial legacy to step out of.

The two brothers played for Paris St-Germain simultaneously, but when Kylian decided to depart the Parisian club at the end of his contract and move to Real Madrid last summer, Ethan's contract was also not renewed at the club.

Currently with Lille and recently scoring his first goal for the club, Ethan is set to face PSG on Sunday, and will hope to gain attention against the club where he started his career.

Following in Kylian Mbappe's Path

Scoring grab the headlines, so considering Ethan's role is a midfielder he is not expected to surpass his brother in that department.

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

His mentality was commended as he broke through from the PSG youth system, seeming to handle effectively with the weight of expectation that came with being an Mbappe.

"He is a well-rounded, polished 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 made an impact on the staff at PSG and was given his league debut at just 16, coming on 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 play in several positions," Paris St-Germain manager Luis Enrique said after that game. "I am sure he will feature more. He has a prestigious surname, which is difficult to match."

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

Kylian has earlier suggested that Ethan failing to receive a new contract at PSG was connected with his choice to depart 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 also.

"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 youthful aspiration, was PSG."

Creating His Distinct Career Path

Ethan's first season at Lille was affected by fitness issues, which prevented the chance to compete against his brother in a Champions League match last September.

"My dream of facing my brother in the Champions League is distant, but it has not vanished," Ethan said on online platforms after he was declared unavailable of that match.

Ethan made just a few 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 scoring his initial strike for Lille earlier this month - an stoppage-time volley to secure a 2-1 win against Toulouse.

That dramatic winner briefly put Lille at the summit of Ligue 1 and although they have subsequently fallen to sixth, Ethan remains be involved in the first team, having completed two further league appearances.

With Lille participating in the Europa League this season, there will be no opportunity for Ethan to fulfill his ambition of facing his brother in a competitive match just yet, but that provides him the opportunity to focus on making a name for himself in his own capacity.